relay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of passing on information or messages from one person or place to another. Example: "Please relay the message to the team that the meeting has been rescheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I know that you did your driving test in the summer after your Commonwealth relay gold, and the instructor recognised you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Puig has had meetings before, mostly about his suspect decision-making while running the bases, his missing the infield cut-off man on relay throws from the outfield, his arguing with umpires – yes, there are issues with the young man, and the Dodgers are intent on stamping them out before it gets out of control.

The Guardian - Sport

Campaigners have set off this week on a relay that will begin in Melbourne and end at Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory, an event inspired by the long walk undertaken by AFL footballer Michael Long in 2004.

The Guardian

Most cross-cultural: Over 100 cyclists from Jordan, Israel and Palestine taking part in a three-day bicycle relay to carry water from the Yarmouk River and the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea to symbolise the need for cooperation to stop climate change and save precious water resources.

The Guardian

Four young sprinters blasting the dust off a 34-year-old national record in the 4x100m relay.

The Guardian - Sport

Stinky Sjinkie took the latter route after Russia's Viktor Ahn swept past him in the dying stages of the men's 5,000m relay final in January's European short track skating championships in Dresden.

The Guardian - Sport

He ran in the 4 x 100-metre relay and while he was still in the UK received the devastating news that members of his family had died from Ebola.

The Guardian

In the next four months alone they're taking part in a relay marathon in Redbridge (east London), a relay from Birmingham to London, attempting to notch up yet more records at the Norway KnarvikMila where times are age-weighted, and they are joining a British team with a total age of 1,000 years at the Toronto Waterfront marathon to challenge a team of Canadian elders over a 5km course.

The Guardian

An example of something gallus, he said, would be Usain Bolt's donning of a tartan tam o'shanter after winning gold with Jamaica's 4x100m relay team on Saturday night.

The Guardian - Sport

He also asked his attorney to relay a message that the protests should remain peaceful.

The Guardian

When Usain Bolt arrived in Glasgow in July to run in Jamaica's Commonwealth Games 4x100m relay team, questions quickly drifted off-topic.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relay", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of passing information or transferring responsibility efficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "relay" when a simpler term like "tell" or "say" suffices. "Relay" implies a specific process of passing something along, not just general communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "relay" is as a verb meaning to pass on information or a message. It can also function as a noun, referring to a race where team members take turns, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "relay" functions as both a verb and a noun, denoting the act of passing on information or referring to a specific type of race. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is very common across various contexts, including news, business, and sports. Understanding the nuances of "relay" and using it appropriately can enhance clarity in both written and spoken communication. For more specific situations, alternatives like "pass on" or "convey" might provide a more precise meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility and broad applicability in conveying information efficiently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pass on

Focuses on the act of transmitting information, emphasizing the delivery aspect.

Convey

Implies a more formal or direct transmission of a message or information.

Transmit

Suggests a more technical or broadcast-like transfer of information.

Communicate

Highlights the broader aspect of exchanging information, not just passing it.

Forward

Emphasizes the action of sending something along to the next destination.

Dispatch

Suggests sending something quickly and efficiently.

Circulate

Implies distributing information widely among a group.

Send

A basic term for transferring something, lacking the specific nuance of "relay".

Broadcast

Implies sending information to a large audience simultaneously.

Hand down

Refers to passing on knowledge or traditions from one generation to the next.

FAQs

How can I use "relay" in a sentence?

You can use "relay" to describe passing information, like "Please "relay the message" to the team". It can also refer to a sports event, such as a "relay race".

What are some alternatives to "relay"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "pass on", "convey", or "transmit".

Is it correct to use "relay" in both formal and informal settings?

Yes, "relay" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. However, in very casual conversations, simpler terms might be preferred.

What does "relay" mean in the context of a sports competition?

In sports, "relay" refers to a race where team members take turns completing parts of the race. A common example is a "relay race".