is relative to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is relative to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is dependent on or associated with something else. For example: "The success of the project is relative to the support of all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is relative to desire.

The Economist

Success is relative to expectation.

The New York Times - Books

"Everything is relative to the time and era".

The New York Times - Sports

Critically, you also need to know exactly how old each one is relative to the others.

The Guardian

"That was huge — you can feel where the asking price is relative to value," he said.

The New York Times

The more supply there is relative to demand, the less the price will be.

The New York Times

"I am certain that every psychological 'truth' is relative to class and culture," he wrote in his Caribbean memoir.

The Guardian - Books

But I was surprised when I got to the US treasury how impotent it is relative to the treasury here.

The Guardian

Vast secret areas also reveal themselves, in a game that is, relative to the genre, quite expansive.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a relational system: the value of a cultural good is relative to the value of every other cultural good.

The New Yorker

This is relative to the pre-June headcount, however.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is relative to", ensure that both elements being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Clarity is key to ensure the relationship is understood.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "is relative to" without specifying the reference point. Always make clear what the subject is relative to; otherwise, the statement becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relative to" functions as a prepositional phrase, establishing a relationship of dependency or proportionality between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples showcasing its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is relative to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to establish a connection or dependency between two concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a wide array of contexts. Its primary purpose is to contextualize a statement or value by linking it to a specific reference point, highlighting that its meaning or significance is not absolute but depends on external factors. The usage spans from science and news to formal business, showcasing its versatility, and ensuring both clarity and precision is the key to effectively deploying this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is dependent on

This alternative directly indicates reliance or dependence, emphasizing the conditional nature of the relationship.

is contingent upon

This alternative suggests that something's existence or occurrence relies on specific conditions being met.

is proportional to

This alternative focuses on a direct and consistent relationship in magnitude or degree.

is subject to

This alternative highlights the idea that something is influenced or controlled by something else.

is connected to

This suggests a link or association, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship or an inherent connection.

is linked with

Similar to "is connected to", but might imply a less direct or more correlational relationship.

is determined by

This indicates that something is definitively decided or controlled by another factor or element.

is a function of

This alternative indicates a mathematical or formal relationship where the value of one thing is entirely dictated by another.

is associated with

This implies a connection or correlation, without necessarily implying causation or dependence.

bears on

This suggests that something has an influence or relevance to a particular subject or situation.

FAQs

How do I use "is relative to" in a sentence?

Use "is relative to" to show a connection or dependency between two things. For example, "The success of the project is relative to the team's effort" shows how success depends on effort.

What can I say instead of "is relative to"?

You can use alternatives like "is dependent on", "is contingent upon", or "is proportional to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in relation to" instead of "is relative to"?

"In relation to" is a valid alternative, but it often implies a broader connection, while "is relative to" suggests a more direct comparison or dependency. Depending on context, you might also use alternatives such as "is associated with".

What's the difference between "is relative to" and "is absolute"?

"Is relative to" indicates dependence on a specific factor or context, while "is absolute" means something is true regardless of context. For example, speed is relative to a frame of reference, but the laws of physics are often considered absolute.