blood relatives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blood relatives" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to family members who are related by birth rather than by marriage or adoption. Example: "While I have many close friends, my blood relatives will always hold a special place in my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Blood relatives.

The New Yorker

The couple are not blood relatives.

Independent

Participants evaluated their self-other overlap with various blood relatives.

Personality and Individual Differences

He has blood relatives to take care of him".

The New York Times

Mr. Gore said no other blood relatives had suffered dementia.

The New York Times

"It's like having blood relatives," Mr. Buck said.

The New York Times - Arts

We know that blood relatives have problems – it's obvious.

The Guardian - Film

Participants identified each target person from blood relatives they knew personally.

Personality and Individual Differences

Once blood relatives are located, the identity of suspects can be inferred from family trees.

MIT Technology Review

Lindsley would learn that having blood relatives does not mean living happily ever after.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Genetic analysis identified non-blood relatives in some families.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical history or genetic predispositions, using the phrase "blood relatives" clarifies that the risk factors are inherited through genetic links.

Common error

Be precise in your language; "blood relatives" specifically denotes genetic ties. Do not use it interchangeably with terms like "legal family" (related by law, such as through marriage or adoption) or "chosen family" (close friends considered family).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blood relatives" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies individuals connected through genetic heritage. Ludwig AI confirms its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in specifying familial relationships based on biological ties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blood relatives" is a common noun phrase used to denote familial connections based on genetic ties. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic domains. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to distinguish it from terms like "legal family" or "chosen family" to maintain precision in writing. When alternatives are needed, phrases such as "biological family" or "genetic kin" can be used, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Biological family

Focuses specifically on the biological aspect of the family connection.

Genetic kin

Emphasizes the genetic link between related individuals.

Family by birth

Highlights that the family connection is due to birth rather than other means like adoption.

Consanguineous relatives

A more formal and technical term for blood relations.

Lineal descendants

Specifically refers to direct descendants in a family line.

Collateral relatives

Refers to relatives who are not direct ancestors or descendants, such as siblings, aunts, and uncles.

Ancestral family

Focuses on family ties through ancestry and lineage.

Immediate family

Refers to the closest blood relatives, typically parents, siblings, and children.

Extended family

Encompasses a wider circle of blood relatives beyond the immediate family.

Family of origin

Refers to the family one is born into, emphasizing the starting point of familial connections.

FAQs

What's the difference between "blood relatives" and legal relatives?

"Blood relatives" are related by birth and share genetic material, while legal relatives are related through marriage or adoption. They are not necessarily the same; for instance, an adopted child is a legal relative but not a blood relative.

When is it important to specify "blood relatives" over just "family"?

It's important to specify "blood relatives" when discussing topics like genetic inheritance, medical history, or genealogical research, where the biological connection is relevant. In other contexts, "family" may suffice.

What are some other ways to say "blood relatives"?

Alternatives include "biological family", "genetic kin", or "family by birth", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Can "blood relatives" also be considered "extended family"?

Yes, "blood relatives" can encompass the "extended family", which includes relatives beyond the immediate family circle, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, as long as they are related by blood.