in relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in relation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a connection or association between two or more things. Example: "In relation to the recent changes in policy, we need to adjust our strategies accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in relation to America?

The New York Times

In relation to energy companies, Which?

Independent

In relation to interest rates?

The New York Times

Countries reposition themselves in relation to us.

The New York Times

What's my position in relation to him?

The Guardian - Arts

He used it in relation to Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where is Tasmania in relation to Australia?

The New York Times

It's too cheap in relation to rent".

The Guardian

Important in relation to their content.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brooks arrested in relation to phone hacking.

The Guardian

Not necessarily in relation to whites.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in relation" to clearly establish a connection or comparison between two subjects. For example, "The effectiveness of the treatment was measured in relation to the patient's overall health".

Common error

Avoid using "in relation" in simple sentences where a more direct preposition like "to" or "about" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in relation" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces information about how something connects, compares, or pertains to something else. As shown in Ludwig, it establishes a link between different elements or concepts, as confirmed by the Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in relation" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish connections and comparisons between different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. While very common in news, science, and academic writing, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where a more direct preposition would suffice. For alternative expressions, consider "with respect to", "regarding", or "concerning" to add nuance to your writing. Always aim for clarity and precision when using "in relation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with respect to

Indicates consideration or reference to a particular aspect or subject.

in regard to

Implies a focus on a specific topic or matter under discussion.

with reference to

Highlights the act of citing or alluding to something else.

regarding

A more concise way to introduce a topic or subject of concern.

concerning

Similar to 'regarding', but can also imply a sense of worry or interest.

pertaining to

Suggests a direct relevance or connection to a specific subject.

relative to

Emphasizes a comparison or proportion between two or more things.

in connection with

Highlights an association or link between different elements.

as regards

A formal way of introducing a topic for discussion or analysis.

in terms of

Focuses on specific aspects or criteria when evaluating something.

FAQs

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

Use "in relation" to show a connection or comparison between two or more things. For example, "The cost of the project was high "in relation to" its benefits".

What can I say instead of "in relation to"?

You can use alternatives like "with respect to", "regarding", or "concerning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in relation to" or "in regards to"?

"In relation to" is the correct and more formal phrase. "In regards to" is sometimes used, but it's generally considered incorrect. It's better to stick with ""in relation to"".

What's the difference between "in relation to" and "with regard to"?

While both phrases are similar, "in relation to" often implies a direct comparison or connection, whereas "with regard to" simply indicates that you are about to discuss a particular topic. They are largely interchangeable, but the nuance can influence your choice.