be related

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be related" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing connections or associations between people, concepts, or things. Example: "The two theories may be related, suggesting a common underlying principle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Could they be related?

The New York Times

They seem to be related.

The New Yorker

We might even be related.

The New Yorker

"It might be related," Yasin said.

The New Yorker

You could be related to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How were these themes to be related?

The Guardian - Books

Could their symptoms be related to that?

The New York Times - Magazine

"And everything should be related to prosperity.

The New York Times

Could these two random occurrences be related?

The New York Times - Books

Couldn't these two things be related?

The Washington Post

Could those two trends be related?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be related", ensure the context clearly defines what elements are being connected. For example, specify whether you're referring to a causal relationship, a correlation, or a shared origin.

Common error

Avoid using "be related" without specifying the nature of the relationship. For example, instead of saying "These factors are related", clarify with "These factors are causally related to increased stress levels."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be related" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a predicate adjective or noun phrase that describes a relationship or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be related" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a connection or relationship between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is common in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to specify the nature of the relationship. While the phrase is versatile, alternative phrases like "be connected" or "be associated" can provide more specific meanings depending on the context. Remember to avoid vagueness by detailing the type of relationship being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be connected

Emphasizes a direct link or association between two or more things.

be associated

Highlights a correlation or connection without necessarily implying a direct link.

be linked

Suggests a relationship or connection, often implying a causal or sequential link.

be correlated

Focuses on a statistical relationship or interdependence between variables.

be relevant

Implies that something is pertinent or applicable to a particular matter.

be interconnected

Stresses a mutual connection and dependence between elements.

have a connection

A more general way of indicating a relationship between things.

tie in with

Suggests a strong link, often implying that something is an integral part of something else.

bear upon

Indicates that something has an influence or effect on something else.

pertain to

Signifies that something is related or relevant to a particular subject or matter.

FAQs

How can I use "be related" in a sentence?

You can use "be related" to show a connection between two or more things. For instance, "The symptoms may "be related" to the new medication" or "The two companies might "be related" through a common investor".

What are some alternatives to "be related"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "be connected", "be linked", "be associated", or "be relevant".

Is it correct to say "are related to" or "is related to"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is related to" for singular subjects and "are related to" for plural subjects.

What is the difference between "be related to" and "be associated with"?

"Be related to" typically implies a direct connection or link, such as a causal relationship or shared origin. "Be associated with" suggests a less direct or more general connection. For instance, smoking is related to lung cancer, whereas stress is associated with heart disease.