closely relatives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely relatives" is not correct in English.
The correct form is "close relatives." You can use it when referring to family members who are closely related, such as siblings or parents. Example: "My close relatives were all present at the family reunion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Non-parametric single- and multipoint linkage (NPL) analyses were employed for the HJEB-affected lambs and their closely relatives, which were from three different farms.

Plosone

In contrast, CL34, a relatively new repeat, has been amplified in cultivated potato as well as in its most closely relatives.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

These transcripts have start and stop codons at the same position in the orthologous regions of the closely relatives D. persimilis and D. miranda and the complete ORF of these transcripts is conserved in the three species.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This further verifies that the formation of CO is closely relative with Ar–O.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Then, Ghare and Schrader (1963) concluded in their study that the consumption of the deteriorating items was closely relative to a negative exponential function of time.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

The nano-core effect is closely relative to the intrinsic properties of nano fillers, composition and processing of the cementitious composites.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

The number of bulky groups in hindrance-capped π-systems is closely relative to thin film morphology, stability and luminescent features in printing electronics.

Synthetic Metals

In addition, by considering that the glass formation composition of amorphous alloy is closely relative to the eutectic point in corresponding phase diagram, the investigation of glass-forming ability (GFA) in Fe-rich alloys in the Fe B Er liquidus surface has also been implemented in this work.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds

The available genome sequence of sorghum, a closely relative of sugarcane, provides an exceptional opportunity to unravel the complex sugarcane genome.

BMC Genomics

A preliminary selectivity test involving few target strains (closely relative families) and few non-target strains (most important pathogenic bacteria) was performed.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

The latter selectivity test consisted of two steps: A preliminary selectivity test involving few target strains (closely relative families) and few non-target strains (most important pathogenic bacteria) was performed.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "close relatives" instead of "closely relatives". "Close" is the correct adjective form to describe the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using the adverb "closely" when the adjective "close" is required to describe the relationship. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while adjectives modify nouns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely relatives" functions as a noun phrase intended to describe family members. However, it's grammatically incorrect because it uses the adverb "closely" instead of the adjective "close" to modify the noun "relatives". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is not correct in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "closely relatives" is used to describe family members with strong connections, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "close relatives", employing the adjective "close" to modify the noun "relatives". Ludwig AI points out this grammatical error. Although examples of the incorrect usage appear in scientific and news contexts, adhering to standard grammar is essential for clear communication. Therefore, it's recommended to use "close relatives" or alternatives like "immediate family" to ensure grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Close relatives

This is the grammatically correct form of the phrase, using "close" as an adjective.

Closest relations

Synonymous of close relatives.

Closest family members

Adds emphasis to the degree of closeness within the family.

Immediate family

This phrase refers to the closest members of a family, like parents and siblings.

Near relatives

This alternative highlights the proximity in the family relationship.

Direct family

Focuses on the line of direct descent, such as parents and children.

Family relations

The adjective "family" acts as a descriptor for "relations."

Nearest kin

Implies the closest blood relations, often with legal implications.

Blood relations

Emphasizes the genetic connection between family members.

Kinfolk

An informal term for family or relatives.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "closely relatives"?

The correct way to say it is "close relatives". The adjective "close" should be used to describe the noun "relatives".

Is "closely relatives" grammatically correct?

No, "closely relatives" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "close relatives". Using "closely" is an error because it's an adverb, and you need an adjective ("close") to modify the noun "relatives".

What other phrases can I use instead of "closely relatives"?

Besides "close relatives", you can use "immediate family", "near relatives", or "direct family" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "closely relatives" and "close relatives"?

"Closely relatives" is grammatically incorrect. "Close relatives" is the proper phrasing. "Close" is an adjective that describes the relationship, while "closely" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.