closest relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closest relation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the person or entity with whom one has the strongest familial or emotional connection. Example: "In the event of an emergency, please contact my closest relation, which is my sister."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Its closest relation is probably Career Girls, in which two university friends meet up again after a gap of 10 years.

The Guardian - Film

The girdles are those portions of the extremities that are in closest relation to the axis of the body and that serve to connect the free extremity (the arm or the leg) with that axis, either directly, by way of the skeleton, or indirectly, by muscular attachments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Bayesian probability model based on combinations of elevation, slope, aspect, and wetness indicates that elevation exhibits the closest relation to landsliding, followed by slope; but that neither aspect nor wetness index values help in prediction.

Geomorphology

The closest relation of the common starling is the spotless starling.

Wikipedia

Andy Kellman of Allmusic said that Usher "pours himself" into the "Papers" and that the song "bears the closest relation to the turbulence he experienced".

Wikipedia

Moreover, its closest relation to the C Type enzymes is evidenced by the highest number of interconnections between the two clusters and an average similarity of 21% while the average similarity of NOR to the A and B Type cluster is 9%.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Sure, our closest relations, chimpanzees, sometimes torture and eat their prey alive.

Huffington Post

There is a close relation between reality and labor unrest.

The New York Times

Mr. Blair has strongly emphasized Britain's close relation with Washington.

The New York Times

It is a close relation of the poppy, dicentra and common fumitory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And why not, with my wife weeping away like he was a close relation?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, use "closest relation" to specify the species or entity with the highest degree of similarity.

Common error

While "closest relation" is grammatically sound, consider the context. In informal settings, alternatives like "nearest relative" or "immediate family" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closest relation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a person, thing, or concept that shares the most direct or intimate association with something else. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "closest relation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to denote the person, thing, or concept with the most immediate connection to something else. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity, showcasing its use across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While acceptable in various settings, its precision lends itself to more formal or neutral registers. When using this phrase, it's advisable to consider the context and the intended level of formality, opting for alternatives like ""nearest relative"" or "immediate family" in more casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearest relative

This alternative focuses on familial connections and legal implications.

immediate family

This refers specifically to the closest family members.

intimate connection

This emphasizes the depth and closeness of the relationship.

closest kin

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for nearest relatives.

nearest and dearest

Highlights the emotional significance of the relationship.

most direct link

Emphasizes a direct connection or association.

primary association

Focuses on the main relationship or connection.

strongest bond

This highlights the strength of the relationship.

most proximate connection

A more formal way to express a close link or relationship.

most closely related

Focuses on the degree of similarity or relatedness.

FAQs

How can I use "closest relation" in a sentence?

You can use "closest relation" to refer to a person who is most intimately connected to another, as in, "In case of emergency, notify my "nearest relative", who is my mother".

What's the difference between "closest relation" and "immediate family"?

"Closest relation" is a more general term that can refer to any kind of very close connection, while "immediate family" specifically refers to one's parents, siblings, and children.

Which is more formal, ""nearest relative"" or "closest relation"?

"Closest relation" tends to be slightly more formal than ""nearest relative"", often used in legal or official contexts.

What can I say instead of "closest relation" in a scientific context?

In scientific writing, you might use "most closely related" or "primary association" to indicate the entity with the highest degree of similarity or connection.