some relatives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some relatives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a non-specific number of family members or kin. Example: "I invited some relatives to the family gathering this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is visiting some relatives.

The Guardian

Some relatives waited in a room nearby.

The New York Times

We lost friends and some relatives.

The New York Times - Sports

Some Relatives Want to Know.

The New York Times

Outside the courtroom, some relatives expressed dismay.

The New York Times

Some relatives collapsed, hands shaking uncontrollably.

The New York Times

Some relatives wanted to understand every detail.

The New York Times

For some relatives, paying is pragmatic.

The New York Times

Now some relatives and friends shun him.

The New York Times - Books

Some relatives knew, some didn't and others refused to see.

The New York Times

Some relatives resisted, but the move was necessary, Moses said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some relatives" when you want to indicate an unspecified, limited number of family members without needing to be precise. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on vague quantifiers like "some" without providing additional context. If the specific number or relationship is relevant, consider using more precise language such as "three cousins" or "my immediate family."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some relatives" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an unspecified number of individuals connected by blood or marriage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some relatives" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to an unspecified number of family members. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is versatile and sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider the level of specificity required; if the exact number or relationship isn't crucial, "some relatives" provides a convenient and appropriate option. However, vague quantifiers can be confusing so provide clarification if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain family members

Emphasizes a specific subset of family, adding a nuance of selection.

a few kin

Uses the term 'kin' to denote relatives, implying a small number.

several relations

Replaces 'relatives' with 'relations,' indicating multiple family connections.

a number of family

Highlights a quantity of family members involved.

various members of the family

Indicates a diversity within the family group being referenced.

select kinfolk

Uses 'kinfolk' as a more folksy or traditional synonym for relatives, implying a choice.

a handful of relations

Suggests a small, manageable number of relatives.

certain members of one's family

Formal and specific, denoting particular individuals within the family.

a portion of the family

Implies that only a segment of the extended family is being discussed.

some members of the clan

Uses 'clan' to broaden the scope, suggesting a larger, possibly more distant family group.

FAQs

How can I use "some relatives" in a sentence?

You can use "some relatives" to refer to a non-specific group of family members. For example, "I invited "some relatives" to the wedding."

What phrases are similar to "some relatives"?

Similar phrases include "certain family members", "a few kin", or "several relations", which all suggest a limited number of family connections.

Is it better to say "some relatives" or "a few relatives"?

Both "some relatives" and "a few relatives" are acceptable. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey; "some" is more general, while "a few" emphasizes a smaller quantity.

When should I use "some relatives" instead of specifying the relationship?

Use "some relatives" when the specific relationship (e.g., cousins, aunts, uncles) isn't important, or when you don't want to disclose the exact family ties. It is appropriate if you're just talking about family connections in a general sense.