Related vs Relating: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about when to use “related” and “relating” in your writing? It’s a common issue, but don’t worry – we’re here to help.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. The answer is… both! “Related” and “relating” are both legitimate words in the English language, but they have different meanings.

When we say something is related, we mean that it is connected or associated with something else. For example, “The article on related vs relating topics was helpful.” In this sentence, “related” refers to the fact that the article is about topics that are connected to each other.

On the other hand, when we say something is relating, we mean that it is establishing a connection or relationship between two things. For example, “The author is relating the topic of grammar to everyday life.” In this sentence, “relating” refers to the fact that the author is making a connection between grammar and everyday life.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words and explore how to use them effectively in your writing.

Define Related

Related refers to the connection or association between two or more things. It implies that there is a similarity or relevance between the items being compared. For instance, in the context of a family, siblings are related because they share the same parents. In a business setting, products can be related if they serve similar functions or target the same market.

Related can also refer to the relationship between different concepts or ideas. For example, in the field of linguistics, related languages are those that share a common ancestor and have similar grammatical structures and vocabulary.

Define Relating

Relating refers to the act of establishing a connection or relationship between two or more things. It involves finding common ground or similarities between the items being compared. For example, a teacher may use a personal anecdote to relate a difficult concept to their students, making it easier for them to understand.

Relating can also refer to the way in which people interact with each other. In social situations, relating involves building rapport and establishing a connection with others. It can involve finding common interests or experiences to bond over.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between related and relating:

Related	Relating
Refers to the connection or association between two or more things	Refers to the act of establishing a connection or relationship between two or more things
Implies that there is a similarity or relevance between the items being compared	Involves finding common ground or similarities between the items being compared
Can refer to relationships between concepts or ideas	Can refer to the way in which people interact with each other

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of related and relating in a sentence.

How To Use “Related” In A Sentence

The word “related” is an adjective that means connected or associated with something. It can be used in a sentence in the following ways:

• As an adjective modifying a noun: “The book contains related information on the topic.”
• As a verb in the past tense form: “The two incidents were related to each other.”
• As a verb in the present participle form: “The company is related to the larger corporation.”

It is important to note that “related” should not be confused with “relating” as they have different meanings.

How To Use “Relating” In A Sentence

The word “relating” is a verb that means to establish a connection or association between two things. It can be used in a sentence in the following ways:

• As a verb in the present participle form: “I am relating the information to you.”
• As a verb in the past participle form: “The report is relating to the previous year’s data.”
• As a gerund: “Relating to the topic, the speaker gave an informative presentation.”

It is important to note that “relating” should not be confused with “related” as they have different meanings.

More Examples Of Related & Relating Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper usage of related and relating is essential in effective communication. In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

Examples Of Using “Related” In A Sentence

• The new product is related to our existing line of items.
• Her research is related to the effects of climate change on marine life.
• Many people believe that stress and health problems are related.
• His experience in finance is related to his previous job as an accountant.
• The book is related to the author’s personal experience with mental health issues.
• The two incidents are related, but it’s unclear how.
• The company’s profits are directly related to its marketing strategy.
• Her artwork is related to her cultural heritage.
• His argument is related to the current political climate.
• The study found that genetics and environment are related factors in the development of certain diseases.

Examples Of Using “Relating” In A Sentence

• He is relating his experience with the new software to his colleagues.
• She is relating the story of her travels to her friends.
• The movie is relating the true story of a historical event.
• He is relating the instructions to the new employee.
• She is relating the details of the accident to the police.
• The article is relating the benefits of exercise to mental health.
• He is relating the importance of teamwork to the success of the project.
• The book is relating the author’s personal journey to self-discovery.
• She is relating the impact of technology on the modern workplace.
• The speaker is relating his experience as a refugee to the audience.

By using related and relating appropriately, you can convey your message accurately and effectively. These examples serve as a guide to help you understand the proper usage of these words in a sentence.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using related and relating, many people make the mistake of using these words interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences between the two words that should not be overlooked. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Related” When “Relating” Is Appropriate

One common mistake is using “related” when “relating” is the appropriate word to use. “Related” implies a connection or association between two or more things, while “relating” refers to the act of establishing a connection or association.

For example, saying “The article is related to the topic of marketing” implies that the article is connected to the topic of marketing in some way. On the other hand, saying “The article is relating to the topic of marketing” implies that the article is actively establishing a connection or association with the topic of marketing.

2. Using “Relating” When “Related” Is Appropriate

Another common mistake is using “relating” when “related” is the appropriate word to use. “Related” is used to describe a connection or association between two or more things, while “relating” refers to the act of establishing a connection or association.

For example, saying “The article is relating to the topic of marketing” implies that the article is actively establishing a connection or association with the topic of marketing. On the other hand, saying “The article is related to the topic of marketing” implies that the article has a connection or association with the topic of marketing.

3. Using “Related” Or “Relating” When Another Word Is More Appropriate

Finally, another common mistake is using “related” or “relating” when another word is more appropriate. For example, using “related” when “relevant” is the appropriate word to use, or using “relating” when “communicating” is the appropriate word to use.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to take the time to understand the differences between “related” and “relating.” Make sure to use the appropriate word based on the context of your sentence, and consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words that may be more appropriate.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “related” and “relating,” context plays a significant role in determining which one is appropriate to use. While both words are derived from the same root word “relate,” they have distinct meanings and usage that can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “related” and “relating” might change:

Context	Example	Appropriate Word Choice
Relationships	My brother and I have a close relationship.	Related
Actions	She is relating her experience at the conference.	Relating
Statistics	The number of people who smoke is related to the number of people who develop lung cancer.	Related
Present Tense	I am relating to you my thoughts on the matter.	Relating

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “related” and “relating” depends on the context in which they are used. In general, “related” is used to describe a connection or association between two or more things, while “relating” is used to describe an action of telling or narrating something.

It’s important to pay attention to the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are using the appropriate one. Using the wrong word can not only change the meaning of your sentence but can also make you appear less knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using related and relating are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some of the most common exceptions to keep in mind:

Exception 1: When Related Is Used As A Noun

One exception to the rules for using related and relating is when related is used as a noun. In this case, related refers to a person or thing that is connected to another person or thing by blood or marriage. For example:

• She is my sister and therefore a close blood-related relative.
• The company is owned by a group of related individuals.

Exception 2: When Relating Is Used As A Gerund

Another exception to the rules for using related and relating is when relating is used as a gerund. In this case, relating functions as a noun and refers to the act of establishing a connection or relationship between two or more things. For example:

• Relating to others is an important skill in the workplace.
• The book explores the relating of art and politics.

Exception 3: When Related Is Used To Mean “Relevant”

Finally, related can be used to mean “relevant” in certain contexts. In this case, related is usually followed by the preposition to. For example:

• The article is related to the topic we discussed in class.
• His comments were not related to the subject at hand.

It’s important to note that this usage of related is less common than its other meanings, so it’s usually best to stick to the standard rules for using related and relating unless you’re sure that this usage is appropriate.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of related and relating is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct form of related or relating to complete the following sentences:

1. The book I’m reading is _________ to the one you recommended.	2. I’m having trouble _________ to my coworkers.	3. The new policy is _________ to the old one.
Related	Relating	Related

Answer Key:

1. Related

2. Relating

3. Related

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of related or relating:

1. The two topics are __________ because they both deal with environmental issues.
2. She had trouble __________ to her new job because the work was so different from what she was used to.
3. The article was __________ to the topic we discussed in class last week.

Answer Key:

1. Related
2. Relating
3. Related

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of related and relating. Keep in mind that context is key when choosing which word to use, and don’t be afraid to consult a dictionary or thesaurus if you’re unsure.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “related” and “relating,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses in the English language. Remember that “related” refers to a connection between two or more things, while “relating” refers to the act of establishing a connection or telling a story.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. By paying attention to context and understanding the nuances of each word, you can elevate your writing and speaking skills.

Key Takeaways:

• “Related” refers to a connection between two or more things.
• “Relating” refers to the act of establishing a connection or telling a story.
• Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.

Remember that language is constantly evolving, and there is always more to learn. Keep exploring grammar and language use to improve your writing and communication skills.