relates to

USAGE SUMMARY

"relates to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more ideas have something in common. For example, "This new policy relates to the previous one we discussed last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He relates to everybody.

The New York Times - Sports

One relates to dropouts.

The Economist

He relates to people".

The New Yorker

One relates to their complexity.

The Economist

"It relates to London.

The Guardian

One source of ambiguity relates to expenses.

The New York Times

This month's question relates to rumor displacement.

The New Yorker

And of course this relates to ability.

Independent

Part of this relates to capital.

The Economist

The audience relates to King's jokes.

The New Yorker

The second handicap relates to soft money.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relates to", ensure the connection between the subjects is clear and logical. Avoid vague or ambiguous relationships that could confuse the reader.

Common error

While "relates to" is a versatile phrase, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "pertains to", "is connected to", or "concerns" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relates to" functions as a prepositional verb phrase. It indicates a connection, association, or relevance between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relates to" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to establish a connection or relevance between different subjects or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki articles, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To avoid monotony, consider using synonyms like "is connected to", "is relevant to", or "pertains to". Always ensure the connection you are establishing is clear and logical to enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is relevant to

This alternative stresses the importance or pertinence of something.

is connected to

This alternative emphasizes a direct link or association.

pertains to

This alternative suggests a direct bearing or applicability.

is linked to

This alternative emphasizes a cause-and-effect or sequential relationship.

is associated with

This alternative highlights a correlation or common occurrence.

is tied to

This alternative implies a strong and often inseparable connection.

is applicable to

This alternative focuses on the suitability or fitness for a specific case.

has to do with

This alternative provides an informal way of showing connection or relevance.

concerns

This alternative provides a more concise way of indicating what something is about.

bears on

This alternative suggests influence or impact on a matter.

FAQs

How can I use "relates to" in a sentence?

Use "relates to" to show a connection between two or more things. For example: "The first chapter "relates to" the history of the company."

What are some alternatives to "relates to"?

You can use alternatives like "is connected to", "is relevant to", or "pertains to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "relate with" instead of "relates to"?

While "relate with" can sometimes be used to describe how people connect with each other, ""relates to"" is more appropriate when discussing connections between ideas, topics, or things.

What's the difference between ""relates to"" and "is related to"?

"Relates to" is a verb phrase, while "is related to" is a passive construction. Both indicate a connection, but ""relates to"" often implies a more direct and active relationship.