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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are relative on

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are relative on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. Example: "The results of the experiment are relative on the conditions under which it was conducted."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Skolem's Paradox shows that set-theoretic notions are relative on the algebraic conception of axiomatization.

Science

SEP

Keep in mind that "faster" and "slower" gaits are relative on the speed of the other horses in the arena.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For individuals, though, performance is relative on the way up but absolute on the way down.

News & Media

Forbes

Those who argue that truth is relative on this basis, says Twardowski, make a mistake.

Science

SEP

Now, John and Jesus, according to Luke, were relatives on their mother's side.

News & Media

The New Yorker

With few exceptions, Americans are relative newcomers on the international business scene.

After all, AT&T and Verizon are relative newcomers on the TV market, compared to industry stalwarts like Comcast or Time Warner Cable.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Still, there was relative calm on Bathurst from the bombing, last December, until May.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Stay with me here — I'm talking about his famous mind experiment that proved how time can be relative depending on the observer.

News & Media

The New York Times

Everything is relative, especially on Wall Street.

News & Media

Forbes

7) FROM Marketing Communication to Enabling Social Currency -The value of marketing communication is relative depending on its usefulness to people, be it informative, inspiring, social or otherwise.

News & Media

Huffington Post
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "are relative on" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "are dependent on" or "are contingent upon" to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "relative" to express dependence. "Relative" typically describes comparisons, not causal relationships. Using it to mean "dependent" can confuse readers. Instead, use "dependent" or "contingent" for clarity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are relative on" attempts to establish a relationship of dependence or contingency. However, this phrasing is not standard English and is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's better to use alternatives like "are dependent on".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

Wiki

50%

News & Media

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are relative on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI confirms, alternatives such as "are dependent on" or "are contingent upon" are more appropriate for expressing dependence or conditionality. While the phrase appears in a limited number of contexts, primarily in Science and Wiki sources, its infrequency and grammatical issues suggest avoiding it in formal writing. To ensure clarity and credibility, opt for established phrases that accurately convey the intended meaning.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "are relative on"?

More appropriate alternatives include "are dependent on" or "are contingent upon". These options accurately convey the intended meaning of dependence.

How can I use "dependent on" in a sentence?

For example, "The success of the project is "dependent on" the team's collaboration." This illustrates a clear and grammatically correct usage.

Is it ever correct to use "relative" with "on"?

Yes, but in different contexts. For example, you might say, "The focus is on relative clinical effectiveness," where "relative" describes a comparison, not a dependency.

What's the difference between "are relative on" and "are dependent on"?

"Are relative on" is grammatically incorrect when the intended meaning is dependence. "Are dependent on" is the correct way to express that something is reliant on something else.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: