are relative to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "are relative to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a comparison or to express that something is connected to something else. For example: "The prices of houses in this area are relative to the average wages of people living there."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The numbers are relative to the TSS.

Nature

Anomalies are relative to the 1982 2005 climatology.

Nature

Chemical shifts are relative to the solvent signal.

Nature

All motions are relative to some frame of reference.

Britannica

All changes are relative to 10 different pre-industrial periods.

Nature

Anomalies are relative to the 2012 2016 period.

Nature

Dates are relative to first dose of treatment.

Nature

Percent speed values are relative to maximum test speed.

Cornell University

**Inclination values in parentheses are relative to the ecliptic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The younger they are relative to the eras they depict, the more inventive they become.

The New York Times

There are, relative to the world's population, very few people "in your boat"!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are relative to", ensure the reference point is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Prices are relative", specify "Prices are relative to the national average".

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the reference point when using "are relative to". This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Always specify what the comparison is being made to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are relative to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to establish a relationship or comparison between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are relative to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish comparisons and relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing "are relative to", it's crucial to provide a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include omitting this reference, leading to confusion. Alternatives include phrases like "are in relation to" or "are proportional to", each offering slightly different nuances. In summary, "are relative to" is a useful tool for contextualizing information, but its effectiveness hinges on clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are as compared to

Directly indicates a comparison, placing emphasis on the difference between the subjects.

are with respect to

Implies a specific viewpoint or frame of reference when making a comparison or evaluation.

are in relation to

Emphasizes the connection or association between items, rather than the comparison.

are measured against

Focuses on evaluating something based on a specific standard or benchmark.

are calibrated to

Implies a precise adjustment or alignment to a specific standard.

are proportional to

Highlights a direct mathematical relationship where a change in one quantity corresponds to a predictable change in the other.

are benchmarked against

Suggests a more formal comparison, often in a business or performance context.

are dependent on

Focuses on how one element relies on another for its existence, value, or function.

are contingent upon

Highlights that something is conditional or reliant on another factor.

are connected to

Suggests a link or association, often without specifying the nature of the connection.

FAQs

How can I use "are relative to" in a sentence?

The phrase "are relative to" is used to show a relationship or comparison between two things. For instance, "The project's costs "are relative to" the initial budget."

What are some alternatives to "are relative to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are in relation to", "are proportional to", or "are dependent on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "are relative to" differ from "are absolute"?

"Are relative to" indicates a comparison to something else, whereas "are absolute" implies a fixed, unchanging value. For example, relative humidity is compared to the maximum possible humidity, while absolute zero is a fixed temperature.

Is it more formal to use "are relative to" or "compared to"?

"Are relative to" is generally considered more formal and precise, suitable for academic or technical writing. "Compared to" is more conversational and can be used in a wider range of contexts.