to relate to

USAGE SUMMARY

"to relate to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It suggests a connection or similarity between two things. You can use "to relate to" when discussing how one thing is connected or relevant to another thing. For example: "The main character in the novel struggles to relate to her family's traditional values." In this sentence, "to relate to" is used to show that the main character finds it difficult to connect with or understand her family's traditions. Another example: "The findings of this study can be related to previous research in the same field." Here, "to relate to" is used to show that the findings of the current study can be connected or compared to previous research in the same field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's easy to relate to".

The New York Times

So how to relate to populists?

The Guardian - Opinion

We want kids to relate to that".

The New Yorker

Struggling to relate to their younger classmates.

The New York Times

We want to relate to.

Princeton University

"They need someone to relate to".

The New York Times - Sports

The readers have more to relate to.

The Guardian

"It's easy to relate to people.

The New York Times

It has to relate to something".

The New York Times

People evolved to relate to people.

The New York Times

To relate to the first would be depressing; to relate to the second, impossible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject has qualities others can understand or share; this will help your audience "relate to" the topic.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "relate". "Relate with" or "relate at" are often mistakes; stick to "relate to" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to relate to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates a connection, understanding, or emotional resonance between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to relate to" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating a connection, understanding, or emotional resonance. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While alternatives like "to connect with" or "to identify with" offer subtle variations, "to relate to" remains a widely accepted and effective way to express a connection or understanding between subjects. Ensure you use the correct preposition ("to", not "with") for clarity. The prevalence of this phrase underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to connect with

Focuses on establishing a personal or emotional link, differing from merely understanding.

to identify with

Emphasizes a shared experience or feeling, implying a deeper level of understanding.

to empathize with

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

to understand

A broader term that encompasses intellectual comprehension without necessarily implying emotional connection.

to resonate with

Suggests a strong emotional or intellectual agreement, emphasizing a personal connection.

to correspond to

Indicates a similarity or analogy between two things, focusing on structural or logical parallels.

to apply to

Implies relevance or applicability in a specific context, focusing on practical use.

to be relevant to

Highlights the importance or pertinence of something in a particular situation.

to have bearing on

Suggests an influence or impact on something, focusing on the consequences of a connection.

to be associated with

Indicates a connection or relationship, without necessarily implying understanding or empathy.

FAQs

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

Use "to relate to" to show a connection or understanding between subjects. For example, "Many people "can relate to" the character's struggles because they are universal."

What does "to relate to" mean?

"To relate to" means to be able to understand or feel sympathy for someone or something, or to find a connection between things.

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

"Relate to" is the correct and more common usage. "Relate with" is generally considered incorrect. Always use "to" when expressing a connection or understanding.

What are some alternatives to "to relate to"?

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