relation between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relation between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to the connection or similarity between two or more persons, things, or ideas. For example, "We need to understand the relation between our business strategy and our customer profiles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a relation between state variables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What's the relation between dxdy and dudv?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The constitutional relation between church and state.

Stanford University

So there is a relation between the two.

The Guardian

There is a close relation between reality and labor unrest.

The New York Times

Surely there is a relation between the two.

The New York Times

There is no relation between those very separate matters.

The Guardian

What is the exact relation between the two?

The New Yorker

The relation between work, marriage and play was perfectly arranged.

The Guardian - Books

What is the relation between love and jealousy?

The New Yorker

"The relation between me and my board is fantastic.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing multiple relationships, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what items are being related to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "the relation between A and B" is clearer than simply "the relation".

Common error

Avoid using "relation between" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Instead of "There is a relation between X and Y", try "X affects Y" or "X influences Y" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relation between" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a discussion or analysis of how two or more entities are connected. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Examples show it linking diverse concepts like "income and aggregate demand" or "love and jealousy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relation between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to explore connections and associations between various entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. It is frequently encountered in academic, news, and scientific contexts, as seen in Ludwig's examples, serving as a foundation for analytical discussions. While alternatives like "relationship between" or "connection between" exist, "relation between" maintains a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for diverse writing styles. Remember to clarify what you are relating, and avoid overuse in overly simple sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relationship between

Replaces "relation" with "relationship", emphasizing a more established or formal connection.

connection between

Substitutes "relation" with "connection", focusing on the link or bond between items.

link between

Uses "link" instead of "relation", suggesting a direct association or dependency.

association between

Employs "association" to indicate a correlation or co-occurrence between elements.

correlation between

Replaces "relation" with "correlation", specifically implying a statistical relationship.

interrelation of

Changes to "interrelation of", emphasizing mutual or reciprocal relationships.

tie-in between

Uses "tie-in" to suggest a close connection or dependency, often in marketing or promotional contexts.

correspondence between

Replaces "relation" with "correspondence", highlighting similarities or parallels.

interface between

Employs "interface" to emphasize a point of interaction or communication between systems or concepts.

nexus between

Uses "nexus" to indicate a crucial point of connection or intersection.

FAQs

How do I use "relation between" in a sentence?

Use "relation between" to indicate a connection, association, or link between two or more things. For instance, "What is the "relationship between" cause and effect?"

What are some alternatives to "relation between"?

Alternatives include "connection between", "link between", or "association between", depending on the specific context.

Is "relation between" formal or informal?

"Relation between" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "relationship between" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What's the difference between "relation between" and "relationship between"?

While both are generally interchangeable, "relationship" often implies a more established, ongoing, or complex connection than "relation". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.