near relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "near relation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is closely related to another person, often in a familial context. Example: "She is my near relation, being my sister's daughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"The father of those children was a near relation of the Jeffersons," Parton wrote, "who need not be named".

The New Yorker

But, in Lowry, one suspects, he also sensed an uncomfortably near relation, one who also struggled with an unfinishable novel, "October Ferry to Gabriola".

The New Yorker

Only the post-breakup anthem "Best Thing I Never Had," a near relation to "Irreplaceable," finds her ceding a loss, and even then she obviously maintains the upper hand.

The New York Times - Arts

The Cop-out, a near relation to the Letdown, is essentially a failed Closer: it involves not following through on the promise of the premise — on the most recent season of the modern-day "Sherlock," for instance, the death and resurrection of Sherlock was left teasingly unexplained, or multiply explained, in a way that delighted the makers' ingenuity more than the viewers' desire for an end.

The New Yorker

If the FRS knew Hartley as a friend, he would know him to be a mathematician with a special interest in statistics, an amateur violinist, and a vegetarian who saw animals as bearing a "near relation" to humans.

SEP

Miranda Field: 'I' is a near relation, but not she who brushes her teeth with my toothbrush.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He went as far, in fact, as to liquidate several near relations.

Britannica

In a few, like our near relations the bonobos, or distant ones like ringtailed lemurs, females are clearly the dominant sex.

The Guardian - Books

Like its near relations, the more forgiving A-line and the shift, the sheath captured the popular imagination in the Camelot era, when Jacqueline Kennedy made it a keystone of her White House wardrobe.

The New York Times

It must have struck her that Blackwood might remember Nightingale had now outlived her ostensibly more robust sister, and she added a PS: "Yes, indeed, I do think how I have survived all my near relations – & more than that survived the two men, Sidney Herbert & Lord Stanley, who conducted the two Royal Commissions which have done all the good in the Army".

The Guardian

While Boeing and its commercial aerospace food chain retain the pole position in the nation's exports, Intel's extended relations incorporates Apple, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, IBM and Research in Motion in addition to near relations ASM Lithography, Applied Materials, Texas Instruments and Micron.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "near relation" when you want to emphasize the closeness of a familial relationship, implying a direct connection or shared history. For less formal writing, consider using "close relative".

Common error

Avoid using "near relation" to describe distant acquaintances or vague associations. The phrase implies a direct and significant connection, typically within a family or lineage.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase. The phrase "near relation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify or refer to someone who is closely related to another person. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English and provides examples of usage in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "near relation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a close familial tie. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability, highlighting examples in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "close relative" or "immediate family member", it's crucial to reserve it for relationships that are genuinely direct and significant. This phrase finds its niche in emphasizing close familial connections, with usage spanning across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a balanced yet slightly formal tone. Its correct application enhances clarity when describing relationships, whether in personal narratives or objective reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close relative

Emphasizes the familial connection, similar to "near relation".

immediate family member

Highlights the directness and closeness of the familial tie.

blood relative

Focuses on the genetic connection.

next of kin

Refers to the closest living relatives, often in a legal context.

close connection

Shifts the focus to a general connection, not necessarily familial.

intimate acquaintance

Indicates a personal and familiar relationship.

familiar associate

Implies a known and recognized relationship.

related entity

Broader term for entities that share some form of connection.

adjacent element

Describes proximity or nearness in a non-familial context.

proximate counterpart

Suggests a close parallel or similarity.

FAQs

What does "near relation" mean?

"Near relation" refers to a close relative, someone directly connected to you through family ties, such as a parent, sibling, or child. It implies a closer connection than a distant relative.

When is it appropriate to use "near relation"?

Use "near relation" when you want to emphasize the closeness of a family connection. In legal contexts, it might be more appropriate to use "next of kin", which has a specific legal definition.

What are some alternatives to "near relation"?

Alternatives include "close relative", "immediate family member", or "blood relative". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "near relation" formal or informal?

"Near relation" is relatively neutral but leaning slightly toward formal. In very informal contexts, you might simply say "close family" or "immediate family".