Are you confused about the difference between interrelated and related? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings.
Interrelated and related both describe connections between things, but interrelated suggests a deeper, more complex connection than related. Interrelated implies that the things being connected have a mutual influence on each other, while related simply means that there is some kind of connection between them.
For example, two people can be related because they are siblings, but they may not have a deep connection with each other. On the other hand, two people who are interrelated may have a complex relationship that influences each other’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between interrelated and related in more detail, and provide examples to help you better understand how to use these words correctly.
Define Interrelated
Interrelated refers to a connection or relationship between two or more things that are mutually dependent on each other. It implies a strong correlation between the elements in question, where one cannot exist without the other. Interrelatedness can be observed in various fields, such as science, economics, and sociology. For instance, in biology, the different systems in the body are interrelated, and any malfunction in one system can affect the functioning of the others. In business, the different departments are interrelated, and the success of one department is dependent on the performance of the others.
Define Related
Related, on the other hand, refers to a connection or association between two or more things that share some common characteristics or traits. The relationship between the elements is not necessarily dependent on each other, and one can exist without the other. Relatedness can also be observed in various fields, such as language, literature, and culture. For instance, words that have similar meanings are related, but they do not necessarily have a cause-and-effect relationship. Similarly, different cultures may have related customs and traditions, but they may not be interrelated.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words in the right context is crucial. Two words that are often confused are “interrelated” and “related.” While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two.
How To Use “Interrelated” In A Sentence
“Interrelated” refers to two or more things that are connected and have an impact on each other. It implies a mutual relationship between the objects or concepts being referred to. Here are some examples of how to use “interrelated” in a sentence:
- The economy and the environment are interrelated.
- Psychological and physical health are interrelated.
- Education and poverty are interrelated issues.
As you can see, “interrelated” is used to describe a relationship between two or more things that have a significant impact on each other. It’s important to note that “interrelated” is not the same as “interchangeable.” These two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
How To Use “Related” In A Sentence
“Related” refers to two or more things that have a connection or association with each other. It implies a similarity or connection between the objects or concepts being referred to. Here are some examples of how to use “related” in a sentence:
- The two books are related in terms of their subject matter.
- There is a related article on the topic.
- The company’s profits are related to its sales.
As you can see, “related” is used to describe a connection or association between two or more things. It’s important to note that “related” can also be used to describe a familial relationship, such as a brother or sister being related to each other.
Knowing the difference between “interrelated” and “related” can help you use these words correctly in your writing. By using the right word in the right context, you can ensure that your writing is clear and concise, and effectively conveys your intended meaning.
More Examples Of Interrelated & Related Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between interrelated and related, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of each:
Examples Of Using Interrelated In A Sentence
- The health of the economy and the stock market are interrelated.
- The different branches of science are interrelated and often overlap.
- The various components of the ecosystem are interrelated and dependent on each other.
- The success of the project is interrelated with the cooperation of all team members.
- The different aspects of a person’s life are interrelated and can affect each other.
- The various departments within a company are interrelated and must work together for success.
- The different parts of a machine are interrelated and must function properly for it to work.
- The different elements of a story are interrelated and contribute to its overall meaning.
- The different factors that contribute to climate change are interrelated and complex.
- The different pieces of evidence in a court case are interrelated and must be considered together.
Examples Of Using Related In A Sentence
- The new product is related to our existing line of products.
- The two books are related in subject matter, but written by different authors.
- The company’s profits are related to its sales figures.
- The two languages are related and share many similarities.
- The two paintings are related in style and composition.
- The two events are related in time and location.
- The two companies are related through a common investor.
- The two diseases are related and have similar symptoms.
- The two actors are related and come from the same family.
- The two concepts are related and can be used interchangeably.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using interrelated and related, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect:
Using Interrelated And Related Interchangeably
Interrelated and related are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Related refers to two things that have a connection, while interrelated refers to two or more things that have a mutual or reciprocal relationship with each other.
For example, if you say “the two events are related,” it means that they have some connection or association with each other. But if you say “the two events are interrelated,” it means that they have a mutual or reciprocal relationship with each other, and one event affects the other.
Using Interrelated When Related Should Be Used
Another common mistake is using interrelated when related should be used. Interrelated is more specific than related and should only be used when there is a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things.
For example, if you say “the two events are interrelated,” it means that they have a mutual or reciprocal relationship with each other. But if there is no mutual or reciprocal relationship, it is more appropriate to use related.
Using Related When Interrelated Should Be Used
On the other hand, using related when interrelated should be used is also a mistake. Interrelated is a more specific term and should be used when there is a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things.
For example, if you say “the two events are related,” it means that they have some connection or association with each other. But if there is a mutual or reciprocal relationship, it is more appropriate to use interrelated.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the difference between interrelated and related. Here are some tips:
- Use related when there is a connection or association between two or more things.
- Use interrelated when there is a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things.
- Be specific and use the appropriate term to convey the intended meaning.
- Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct term.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the terms “interrelated” and “related,” context plays a crucial role. Depending on the context in which they are used, the meaning and implications of these terms can differ significantly. It is important to understand the nuances of each term and choose the appropriate one for the given context.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between interrelated and related might change:
1. Biology
In the field of biology, the terms “interrelated” and “related” are often used to describe the relationship between different species. In this context, “interrelated” refers to species that have a direct and significant impact on each other’s survival and well-being. For example, a predator-prey relationship is considered interrelated because the predator’s survival depends on the prey, and vice versa.
On the other hand, “related” species are those that share a common ancestor or evolutionary history, but may not necessarily have a direct impact on each other’s survival. For example, humans and chimpanzees are related species, but their survival is not directly dependent on each other.
2. Business
In the business world, the terms “interrelated” and “related” are often used to describe the relationship between different departments or functions within a company. In this context, “interrelated” refers to departments or functions that have a direct impact on each other’s success or failure. For example, sales and marketing are interrelated because the success of one department depends on the success of the other.
On the other hand, “related” departments or functions may have a common goal or objective, but their success or failure is not necessarily dependent on each other. For example, human resources and accounting are related departments, but their success is not directly tied to each other.
3. Psychology
In psychology, the terms “interrelated” and “related” are often used to describe the relationship between different concepts or variables. In this context, “interrelated” refers to concepts or variables that have a direct and significant impact on each other. For example, self-esteem and self-efficacy are interrelated because a person’s level of self-esteem can directly impact their level of self-efficacy.
On the other hand, “related” concepts or variables may be related in some way, but their impact on each other is not necessarily direct or significant. For example, creativity and intelligence are related concepts, but one’s level of creativity does not necessarily impact their level of intelligence.
As we can see from these examples, the choice between “interrelated” and “related” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the nuances of each term and choose the appropriate one for the given context to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the use of interrelated and related can be straightforward in most cases, there are exceptions where the rules might not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Contextual Differences
One exception to the rules is when the context of the sentence changes the meaning of the words. For example, the sentence “The two concepts are related” could mean that the concepts are connected in some way, but it could also mean that they are simply similar. In this case, using interrelated might be more appropriate to convey a stronger connection between the concepts.
2. Technical Jargon
In technical fields, there may be specific jargon or terminology that uses interrelated and related in a different way than the general rules. For example, in computer science, the terms might be used to describe the relationship between different components of a system. In this case, it’s important to understand the specific meaning within the context of the field.
3. Regional Differences
Another exception to the rules is regional differences in language usage. For example, in British English, interrelated is more commonly used than related. In American English, related is more commonly used. It’s important to be aware of these differences when writing for an international audience.
4. Colloquial Language
Finally, in informal or colloquial language, the rules for using interrelated and related might not apply. For example, someone might say “Those two things are totally related” to mean that they are closely connected, even if the correct usage would be interrelated. In these cases, it’s important to consider the context and audience to determine the appropriate language to use.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of interrelated and related is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises that can help you master these terms:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences using either interrelated or related:
- The two concepts are ____________ and cannot be fully understood without each other.
- Her work in anthropology showed how ____________ cultures can be.
- The ____________ nature of the two theories was not immediately apparent.
- His research showed how ____________ the fields of psychology and neuroscience really are.
Answer Key:
- interrelated
- related
- interrelated
- interrelated
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The two concepts are ____________ to each other.
- a) interrelated
- b) related
- Her work in anthropology showed how ____________ cultures can be.
- a) interrelated
- b) related
- The ____________ nature of the two theories was not immediately apparent.
- a) interrelated
- b) related
- His research showed how ____________ the fields of psychology and neuroscience really are.
- a) interrelated
- b) related
Answer Key:
- a) interrelated
- b) related
- a) interrelated
- a) interrelated
Exercise 3: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the following words:
- interrelated
- related
- interrelated
- related
Answer Key:
- The two concepts are interrelated and cannot be fully understood without each other.
- Her work in anthropology showed how related cultures can be.
- The interrelated nature of the two theories was not immediately apparent.
- His research showed how related the fields of psychology and neuroscience really are.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between interrelated and related is crucial for effective communication. While the two terms may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings that can affect the clarity and precision of your writing.
Key Takeaways
- Interrelated refers to a relationship between two or more things that are mutually dependent on each other, while related refers to a connection or association between two or more things.
- Using interrelated when you mean related can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
- Interrelated is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while related is more commonly used in everyday language.
- Understanding the nuances of language and grammar can improve the effectiveness of your writing and communication.
By paying attention to the words you use and their meanings, you can ensure that your message is clear and concise. However, mastering grammar and language use is an ongoing process that requires continued learning and practice.
Whether you are a professional writer or simply want to improve your communication skills, there are many resources available to help you continue your education. From online courses to books and workshops, there are endless opportunities to expand your knowledge and improve your writing.
By taking the time to invest in your language skills, you can become a more effective communicator and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.