be in relation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in relation to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how one thing connects or pertains to another. Example: "The findings of this study will be in relation to the previous research conducted in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We wanted to measure how capable of retrieving related concepts the heuristics would be in relation to simple searches that considered lexical and syntactic variations.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

What is it going to be in relation to Russia?

The Guardian - Tech

And where will Britain be in relation to Europe and the wider world?

The Guardian

That might be in relation to a pay rise or dealing with a supplier.

The Guardian

Indeed, the best way to understand this artwork may be in relation to pop music.

The Guardian

I wondered, is there a rule of thumb for how wide a frame should be in relation to the photo?

The New York Times - Tech

But he then went on to suggest that the media were responsible for "influencing people of what the outcome should be" in relation to Zimbabwe.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I didn't shoot myself in the foot, but I didn't put myself where I wanted to be in relation to the field".

The New York Times - Sports

Of course, journalists should hold the majority view to account, whether that be in relation to medicine or any other topic.

Independent

What we are doing is making sure we absolutely clarify what the qualified interpretation of Article 8 should be in relation to the ability of the Government to remove people from the United Kingdom.

The Guardian

Later, it was Deborah Warner's realisation that "it would be impossible to be in relation to the towers in a piece of music-theatre without being in relation to what happened to them".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be in relation to", ensure that the relationship you are describing is clear and specific. Avoid vagueness by explicitly stating how the two elements connect.

Common error

Avoid using "be in relation to" when a simpler phrase like "relates to" or "concerns" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in relation to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a connection, relevance, or association between two or more entities. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to news articles, to express how different elements are linked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be in relation to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate a connection or relevance between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, especially science, news, and formal writing. While effective, it's crucial to ensure clarity and conciseness by considering simpler alternatives like "relate to" or "pertain to" when appropriate. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively integrate "be in relation to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relate to

This is a more direct and common way of saying something is connected to something else.

be relevant to

This highlights the pertinence or importance of something in a specific context.

pertain to

This alternative implies a direct relevance or connection to a specific subject or matter.

apply to

This phrase indicates relevance or applicability in a given situation or context.

refer to

This indicates a direct reference or mention of something in connection with something else.

connect to

This suggests a link or association, often physical or logical, between two things.

concern

This is a more concise way of saying something relates or pertains to a specific topic.

associate with

This phrase suggests a connection or link, often implying a shared characteristic or context.

bear on

This implies having an influence or relevance to a particular issue or situation.

have a bearing on

This phrase emphasizes the influence or relevance something has on a situation.

FAQs

What does "be in relation to" mean?

The phrase "be in relation to" means to have a connection with something else or to be relevant to it. It indicates how one thing connects or pertains to another.

When is it appropriate to use "be in relation to" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "be in relation to" when you want to emphasize a formal connection or relevance between two subjects, ideas, or situations. However, consider whether a simpler phrase like "relate to" or "pertain to" would be more effective.

Are there simpler alternatives to "be in relation to"?

Yes, simpler alternatives include "relate to", "pertain to", "connect to", or "apply to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I avoid misusing "be in relation to"?

To avoid misuse, ensure that the connection you are describing is logical and clear. Avoid using the phrase when a more direct expression would be more appropriate. Always consider whether the added formality of "be in relation to" is necessary for your intended audience and purpose.