dear relatives

USAGE SUMMARY

"dear relatives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when addressing family members or close friends in a formal letter or email. For example, "Dear relatives, we hope you are all doing well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Not just friends, my dear: relatives.

The New Yorker

She leaves behind her many dear relatives and friends.

The New York Times

Survived by Fred, her loving husband of 67 years, her son Rick and daughter-in-law Karen, granddaughter Isabel, sister Lee Becker, brother Cy Pollack, sister-in-law Elizabeth, and numerous other dear relatives.

The New York Times

James is survived by his loving wife Sophia, his daughter Elena and John Madonia and granddaughter Sophia, his daughter Rania and Brian Kelly and grandchildren Alexandra, James and Jenna, his sister Louisa Markis and many nieces, nephews and dear relatives and friends in the USA and Greece.

The New York Times

I would never customize or change my dear relatives gloves but...the cool thing about white gloves is that they are: A) the easiest color of vintage glove to find B) the easiest type of glove to transform.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

NEUMARK--Sarah, 97, dear relative and friend.

The New York Times

If you lose a dear relative who has lived a good long life, you grieve.

Independent

You were not only a dear relative, but a valued friend.

The New York Times

A marathon runner, skiier, tennis player, and avidsports fan, and as always, a good and loyal friend and dear relative.

The New York Times

The meaning of such action seems evident: grief felt for the loss of a dear relative or friend naturally expresses itself in forms of self-denial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Frank Wright, who was part of the CBS team for Affirmed's triumph in 1978, spoke of Ruffian as if a dear relative had died before his eyes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing family in formal correspondence, consider using "dearest family" for a warmer tone than just "dear relatives".

Common error

Avoid using "dear relatives" in very casual settings; opt for "family" or "folks" to maintain a natural and friendly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear relatives" functions as a term of address, typically used at the beginning of a letter, email, or speech to directly address family members with affection and respect. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase commonly appears in obituaries or formal announcements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dear relatives" is a grammatically correct phrase used to address family members, typically in formal letters, emails, or announcements. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is more common in contexts like news and formal communication rather than casual settings. For a warmer tone, consider alternatives such as "dearest family". Avoid overusing it in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone. The phrase serves to establish an affectionate connection with the family being addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dearest family

Simple substitution of one adjective for another. Highlights the closeness to family.

close family members

Emphasizes the tight relationships within the family.

cherished family members

Highlights the value and importance of each relative.

precious relatives

Highlights the irreplaceable value of family ties.

beloved family

Focuses on the love and affection held for family members.

loved ones in the family

Specifies the emotion felt for family members.

esteemed kin

Emphasizes respect and high regard for relatives.

respected relations

Indicates admiration and acknowledgment of relatives.

special kindred

Highlights the unique bond with family.

intimate family circle

Focuses on the closeness of the family.

FAQs

How can I use "dear relatives" in a sentence?

You can start a letter or email with "Dear relatives", followed by the message you wish to convey. For instance, "Dear relatives, I hope this letter finds you well".

What are some alternatives to saying "dear relatives"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "dearest family", "beloved family", or simply "family".

Is it appropriate to use "dear relatives" in business communication?

While "dear relatives" is generally used in personal contexts, it's best to avoid it in business communication unless you are directly addressing family members within a professional setting. Use formal greetings instead.

What is the difference between "dear relatives" and "close relatives"?

"Dear relatives" expresses affection or endearment towards family members, while "close relatives" refers to the degree of kinship or the emotional bond shared. You might have "close family members" who are also your "dear relatives".