blood relations

USAGE SUMMARY

"blood relations" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to family relationships (i.e., "I have many blood relations, such as cousins, aunts, and uncles").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No blood relations, apart from Dali's sister, could claim a share.

The Guardian

Who has a stronger claim to a man's chattels, his blood relations or his lover?

The New York Times - Books

I calmed down, because it's only the stepparents — they are not blood relations of mine".

The New Yorker

What, indeed, makes a dynasty a dynasty -- besides the fact that its members are blood relations?

The New York Times - Books

He does not believe right?–that ethnic differences really have anything to do with blood relations.

Yale University

A man's nearest blood relations after his own children are his grandchildren.

Cornell University

The people are established by blood relations and through conversion to the faith.

The New York Times - Arts

(And blood relations with different notions should post them on the Social Q's Facebook Group).

The New York Times

Reminiscences that touch upon parental favoritism, unpaid personal loans, and arrests of blood relations' children are discouraged.

The New Yorker

His brainstorm this season was that from now on he would trust only blood relations, like the smack-addled Christopher.

The New Yorker

"They behave like blood relations," says Ghislaine Ottenheimer, a journalist and author who has written extensively about the French elite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blood relations" when you want to emphasize a biological connection between people, particularly in legal, genealogical, or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "blood relations" interchangeably with general terms like "family" or "relatives" if the specific genetic connection is not relevant to the context. "Family" can include adoptive or chosen members, while "blood relations" strictly refers to biological connections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blood relations" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It identifies individuals who are related by blood, emphasizing their biological connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blood relations" is a noun phrase used to specifically denote family members who are related by blood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, academic, and formal contexts. While interchangeable with general family terms in some cases, it's most appropriate when the genetic connection is relevant. Be mindful of context to ensure clarity and accuracy. Consider alternatives like "family ties" or "relatives" if the biological link isn't the primary focus. The phrase is typically neutral in tone, making it suitable for a range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

familial relations

A more formal and broad way to describe connections within a family, encompassing various types of relationships.

family ties

Focuses on the connections and bonds within a family unit rather than specifying biological relationships.

family connections

Highlights the bond and links between family members, without specifically noting their exact relationship.

relatives

A more general term referring to people connected by blood, marriage, or adoption.

kinship

Emphasizes the social relationships based on blood, marriage, or adoption.

bloodline

Highlights ancestry and lineage, focusing on the historical aspect of family relationships.

consanguinity

A formal term that specifically denotes relationships by blood, often used in legal or scientific contexts.

genetic links

Emphasizes the shared genetic material among family members, highlighting the biological aspect of their relationships.

hereditary connections

Focuses on the genetic and inherited aspects of family relationships, often used in medical or biological contexts.

parentage

Specifically refers to the identity of one's parents, focusing on ancestry and origin.

FAQs

How is "blood relations" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "blood relations" often defines inheritance rights, succession laws, and eligibility for certain benefits or responsibilities. It specifies individuals directly related by blood, excluding those related by marriage or adoption.

What is the difference between "blood relations" and "family ties"?

"Blood relations" specifically denotes relationships established through blood or genetics, while "family ties" is a broader term encompassing emotional, social, and legal connections, including those not genetically related.

When is it appropriate to use "blood relations" instead of just "relatives"?

Use "blood relations" when the genetic connection is significant to the discussion, such as in medical history, genealogy, or legal matters. Otherwise, "relatives" is a more general term that includes all family members, regardless of blood relation.

What are some phrases similar to "blood relations" that emphasize biological connection?

Alternatives include "bloodline", "consanguinity", and "genetic links". Each carries a slightly different nuance, focusing on lineage, formal relationships, and genetic connections, respectively.