relate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing connections or relationships between ideas, events, or people. Example: "It's important to relate the findings of this study to previous research in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is one of the bank's responsibilities to assess those that relate to its objectives.

The Guardian - Business

In all, 45 charges relate to one child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and is known as "A", and four against a second girl, referred to as "B".

BBC

I know that a lot of young people can't afford to intern or volunteer and I can completely relate to that.

The Guardian

Of the 1,243 UK applications pending for judicial assessment at the end of last year, over 1,000 relate to voting rights for prisoners – the unresolved issue that has provoked a bitter stand-off between the UK parliament and the ECHR.

The Guardian

I suggest this book to boys who need something to relate to.

The Guardian

While the facts are certainly bizarre, this case raises important and unique issues about how workplace privacy can relate to discrimination.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other task sheets demand glowing reviews of the YotaPhone, a Russian-made smartphone, abuse and teasing for Jennifer Psaki, the former US state department spokeswoman, and three relate to Ukraine and the west's plans there.

The Guardian

"The idea of self-awareness, the personal perspective to know when you have enough, is something I can relate to as a person, but also as a brand.

The Guardian

Toon fans, contrary to the tired old stereotype, don't ask for much as paying customers, but they would like a manager they respect, and can relate to.

The Guardian - Sport

I can relate to this after my experience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for kids, with the Leapband, I really do think it's a good idea; we're in a tech-savvy world now and kids hugely relate to wanting the newest phone or whatever else it is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "link" or "associate" if the connection you are describing is more direct or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "relate" when a more precise verb would better capture the nature of the connection. For example, instead of saying 'The issues relate to each other', specify how they are connected: 'The issues are caused by each other' or 'The issues influence each other'.

Linguistic Context

The verb "relate" functions primarily to express connections or associations between entities, ideas, or events. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Opinion

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Lifestyle

7%

Music

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "relate" is a very common verb used to show a connection between two or more things, or to tell a story. Ludwig AI indicates that "relate" is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into numerous contexts, mainly in News & Media. When writing, ensure the relationship you're describing is clear. If you need alternatives, consider ""connect"", "associate", or "identify with". Avoid using "relate" in vague situations, and opt for more descriptive verbs when needed. Use "relate to", not "relate with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Connect

Focuses on establishing a direct link or association between two or more things.

Associate

Implies a less direct or formal connection, often based on shared characteristics or context.

Identify with

Highlights the empathetic understanding and shared feelings between individuals.

Correspond to

Indicates a similarity or equivalence in structure or function.

Refer to

Emphasizes the act of mentioning or alluding to something.

Bear upon

Highlights the relevance or impact of something on a particular subject.

Have bearing on

Suggests a significant influence or relevance to a specific issue.

Pertain to

Signifies a direct relevance or connection to a specific subject matter.

Narrate

Focuses on telling a story or recounting events.

Recount

Implies a detailed and comprehensive telling of a story or event.

FAQs

How to use "relate" in a sentence?

You can use "relate" in a sentence to describe a connection or relationship between two or more things. For example, "It's important to "connect" the findings of this study to previous research in the field."

What can I say instead of "relate"?

You can use alternatives like ""connect"", "associate", or "identify with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "relate to" or "relate with"?

"Relate to" is the more common and generally accepted usage. "Relate with" is less frequent and may sound awkward to some native English speakers.

What's the difference between "relate to" and "pertain to"?

"Relate to" generally implies a broader connection or association, while "pertain to" suggests a more direct and specific relevance to a particular subject or matter.