both relate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both relate to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing two subjects that have a connection or similarity in context. Example: "The two theories both relate to the concept of social behavior in different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Huffington Post

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is something the couple can both relate to.

The Guardian

It's that the Greek roots behind the words "idea" and "theory" both relate to sight.

The New Yorker

Both relate to what we call marriage and, additionally, what we want from it and what we deserve.

The New Yorker

Both relate to a question I asked early in Dot Earth: How much does the present owe the future?

The New York Times

Now, everybody knows that these diseases are not the same, nor do they manifest themselves in the same way, except in so far as they both relate to food.

The Guardian

The US National Academy of Sciences has convened an ad hoc committee that is assessing gene drives but which will have no regulatory power, while the environmental risk assessment procedures for genetically modified organisms approved by the World Health Organisation and the European Food Safety Authority both relate to a world before Crispr gene drives existed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

More performance-related feedback and more support were both related to a better feeling of preparedness.

BMC Medical Education

It is also worth mentioning two other things about United's current predicament, both relating to the Glazer family.

The Guardian - Sport

Pentagon officials said their reviews of the Halliburton contracts had turned up two problems, both related to a subsidiary, Kellogg, Brown & Root.

The New York Times

Recommendations R6 and R9 are both related to testing.

European Transport Research Review

SlogP and logS were both related to hydrophobicity.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both relate to", ensure that the connection between the two subjects is clear and easily understood by the reader. Provide context to illustrate the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "both relate to" when the connection between the two subjects is tenuous or unclear. Make sure the relationship is substantive and not based on superficial similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both relate to" functions as a connector, indicating a relationship or association between two distinct subjects or concepts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how it connects seemingly disparate ideas by highlighting their shared relevance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

The Guardian

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both relate to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for establishing a connection between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives such as "both pertain to" or "both are connected to" may offer slightly different nuances, the primary function remains the same: to highlight a shared relevance or association. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection is clear and substantive to avoid vagueness. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both pertain to

Replaces "relate" with "pertain", emphasizing relevance or connection.

both are connected to

Uses "connected" to highlight the link between two subjects.

both are associated with

Emphasizes the association or correlation between two things.

both are linked to

Focuses on the linkage or relationship between two elements.

both are relevant to

Highlights the relevance of two items to a particular topic.

both are applicable to

Indicates that two things can be applied to the same situation.

both bear upon

A more formal way of saying that two things affect or relate to something.

both have a bearing on

Similar to "bear upon", but slightly more conversational.

both tie into

Suggests that two things are interwoven or connected in a complex way.

both have to do with

A more informal way of expressing that two things are connected.

FAQs

How can I use "both relate to" in a sentence?

Use "both relate to" to connect two subjects that share a common theme, characteristic, or context. For example, "These figures "both relate to" the temperature rises we are likely to see."

What are some alternatives to "both relate to"?

You can use alternatives like "both pertain to", "both are connected to", or "both are associated with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "both pertain to" or "both relate to"?

"Both pertain to" is generally considered more formal than ""both relate to"". "Pertain" suggests a more direct and significant relevance.

What is the difference between "both relate to" and "both are relevant to"?

While similar, ""both relate to"" implies a general connection, whereas "both are relevant to" suggests a specific importance or applicability to a particular context or topic.