we are relatives

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We are relatives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a family relationship or connection between two (or more) people. For example, you can use it in a sentence like: "My brother and I have been close since we were kids—after all, we are relatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We are relatives of God".

The New Yorker

We are relatives in culture, but enemies in war".

The New York Times

"People here know that we are relatives, and they talk about it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So there's considerable uncertainty about just how depressed we are relative to potential.

The New York Times

"I don't think it matters, frankly, where we are relative to ITV".

Independent

"We want advertiser and agencies to have a clearer picture of where we are relative to the rest of the industry".

The New York Times

"I would say our position now in terms of what I would call the control and ability to influence the outcome of the commercial situations is far advanced relative to what it was three months ago, so I am feeling very confident about where we are relative to Sports Direct.

The Guardian - Sport

We are relative.

Huffington Post

We are relative newbies to the world of dialysis.

Huffington Post

Adding to the effect of being rendered unable to do anything by a random cosmic occurrence, we'd suddenly be humbled further, reminded of how small we are relative to the vastness of the physical universe.

Vice

I feel like we're relatives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "we are relatives", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis of the relationship, whether by blood, marriage, or adoption. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the statement's relevance.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of remote ancestral links. Saying "we are relatives" implies a reasonably close connection, not merely a shared ancestor from centuries ago.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are relatives" functions as a statement of fact, indicating a familial connection between the speaker(s) and another person or group. It asserts a relationship established by blood, marriage, or adoption. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are relatives" is a grammatically correct and usable statement indicating a familial connection. While relatively infrequent, as noted by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media contexts to highlight relationships between individuals or groups. According to Ludwig AI the statement is valid. Alternative phrases, such as "we are family" or "we are related", may be used to express similar ideas, potentially with varying degrees of emotional intensity. When using "we are relatives", clarity in establishing the nature of the relationship is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are related

Uses a shorter form, replacing "we are relatives" to "we are related".

we are family

Directly substitutes "relatives" with "family", implying a closer emotional bond.

we are from the same family

Expands on the original phrase by explicitly stating that both entities are from the same family.

we are connected by blood

Emphasizes the biological connection, reinforcing the idea of a shared genetic heritage.

we have kinship

Replaces the common phrase with a more formal term, "kinship", denoting a familial relationship.

we belong to the same lineage

Highlights belonging to a specific line of descent.

we share ancestry

Focuses on the aspect of shared lineage, highlighting a common heritage.

we are linked by heritage

Focuses on the shared cultural or historical background.

we are of the same stock

Uses a metaphor to suggest shared origins or characteristics, implying a common background.

we are kindred spirits

Shifts the focus from blood relations to a similarity in thoughts, feelings, or nature.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "we are relatives"?

Saying "we are relatives" indicates a familial connection, either through blood, marriage, or adoption. It signifies a relationship where individuals share a common ancestor or are linked through family ties.

Is it correct to say "we are relatives"?

Yes, the phrase "we are relatives" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples from reputable sources.

What's the difference between "we are relatives" and "we are related"?

The phrases "we are relatives" and "we are related" are nearly synonymous. "We are related" is a slightly shorter and more concise way of expressing the same familial connection. "We are related" is also more common in everyday speech.

What can I say instead of "we are relatives" to emphasize a close bond?

To emphasize a close bond, you can use phrases like "we are family" or "we are kin". These alternatives suggest a deeper emotional connection than simply being relatives.