Relative vs Relevant: When To Use Each One In Writing

Have you ever wondered about the difference between relative and relevant? These two words may sound similar, but they have distinct meanings that are important to understand. In this article, we will explore the definitions of relative and relevant, and discuss when to use each one.

It’s important to note that both relative and relevant can be proper words depending on the context. However, when it comes to their meanings, they are quite different. Relative refers to something that is considered in comparison or relation to something else. On the other hand, relevant means something that is closely connected or applicable to the matter at hand.

Now that we have a basic understanding of these two words, we can dive deeper into their definitions and explore their usage in different contexts. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the differences between relative and relevant and how to use them effectively in your writing.

Define Relative

Relative refers to something that is considered in relation or comparison to something else. It is a term that is used to describe the relationship between two or more things. For example, if we say that the price of a product is relative to its quality, we mean that the price of the product is determined by its quality.

Relative can also refer to a person who is related to us by blood or marriage. In this context, it is used to describe the relationship between two individuals who share a common ancestor or are connected through marriage.

Define Relevant

Relevant refers to something that is closely connected or appropriate to a particular matter or situation. It is a term that is used to describe the importance or significance of something in a given context. For example, if we say that a particular piece of information is relevant to a discussion, we mean that it is important to the topic being discussed.

Relevant can also refer to something that is up-to-date or current. In this context, it is used to describe something that is applicable or useful in the present time. For example, if we say that a particular book is relevant to the current state of the economy, we mean that it provides valuable insights into the current economic situation.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence is crucial. Two commonly confused words are “relative” and “relevant”. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Relative” In A Sentence

The word “relative” is often used to describe something in relation to something else. It can also refer to a family member.

Here are some examples of how to use “relative” in a sentence:

• My salary is relative to my experience.
• She is a distant relative of mine.
• The success of the project is relative to the amount of effort put in.

It’s important to note that “relative” should not be confused with “relevant”.

How To Use “Relevant” In A Sentence

The word “relevant” is used to describe something that is closely connected or applicable to a topic or situation.

Here are some examples of how to use “relevant” in a sentence:

• The information presented was not relevant to the discussion.
• Her experience is relevant to the job she is applying for.
• The study’s findings are relevant to the current debate on the topic.

It’s important to use “relevant” when you want to indicate that something is important or pertinent to the matter at hand. Using “relative” in these situations would be incorrect.

More Examples Of Relative & Relevant Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the difference between relative and relevant, it is important to examine more examples of each word used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Relative In A Sentence

• The price of gas is relative to the distance you need to travel.
• His success was relative to the amount of effort he put in.
• The beauty of art is relative to the eye of the beholder.
• The importance of a task is relative to the deadline.
• The difficulty of a test is relative to the amount of studying done beforehand.
• The size of a house is relative to the number of people living in it.
• The effectiveness of a medicine is relative to the severity of the illness.
• The value of a car is relative to its age and condition.
• The speed of a computer is relative to the tasks it is performing.
• The quality of a meal is relative to the ingredients used.

Examples Of Using Relevant In A Sentence

• The information presented is not relevant to the topic at hand.
• The study’s findings are relevant to the current research in the field.
• Her experience in marketing is relevant to the job she is applying for.
• The news article is not relevant to the local community.
• The statistics are relevant to the argument being made.
• The skills learned in this class are relevant to future career opportunities.
• The evidence presented is relevant to the court case.
• The course material is relevant to the overall learning objectives.
• The feedback given is relevant to the specific task at hand.
• The questions asked are relevant to the topic being discussed.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms “relative” and “relevant,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Mistake #1: Using “Relative” Instead Of “Relevant”

One common mistake is using “relative” when you actually mean “relevant.” While both words relate to something else, “relative” refers to something that is connected by blood or kinship, while “relevant” refers to something that is applicable or pertinent to a particular matter. For example:

• Incorrect: My uncle is relative to the topic of climate change.
• Correct: My uncle’s work in environmental science is relevant to the topic of climate change.

Mistake #2: Using “Relevant” When It’s Not Necessary

Another mistake people make is using “relevant” when it’s not necessary. This can make your writing sound repetitive or unclear. For example:

• Incorrect: The relevant point I’m trying to make is that we need to reduce our carbon footprint.
• Correct: The point I’m trying to make is that we need to reduce our carbon footprint.

Mistake #3: Confusing “Relative” With “Relatable”

Lastly, some people confuse “relative” with “relatable,” which means able to be related to or understood by someone. While these words sound similar, they have different meanings. For example:

• Incorrect: The story was relative to my own experiences.
• Correct: The story was relatable to my own experiences.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the meanings of “relative” and “relevant” and use them appropriately. If you’re unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you’re conveying the intended meaning accurately.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between relative and relevant, context is key. The decision of which term to use will depend on the specific context in which it is being used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between relative and relevant might change:

• Academic Writing: In academic writing, the term “relevant” is often used to describe sources or information that directly pertains to the topic at hand. However, in some cases, the term “relative” might be more appropriate if the information being discussed is only tangentially related to the topic.
• Marketing: In marketing, the term “relevant” is often used to describe content or advertisements that are targeted to a specific audience. However, in some cases, the term “relative” might be more appropriate if the content or advertisement is related to a broader topic or trend.
• Personal Relationships: In personal relationships, the term “relative” is often used to describe how one person’s behavior or actions compare to those of others in a similar situation. However, in some cases, the term “relevant” might be more appropriate if the behavior or actions being discussed are directly related to the relationship itself.

As you can see, the choice between relative and relevant can vary depending on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the specific situation and the intended meaning when making this decision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using relative and relevant are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Understanding these exceptions can help you use these terms more effectively in your writing.

Relative Exceptions

One exception to the rules for using relative is when the word is used as a noun rather than an adjective. In this case, it refers to a family member or someone who is related to you. For example:

• My relatives are coming over for dinner tonight.
• The relative I’m closest to is my sister.

Another exception to the rules for using relative is when it is used in a more general sense to mean “related to.” For example:

• The company’s success is relative to the amount of effort its employees put in.
• The price of the product is relative to its quality.

Relevant Exceptions

One exception to the rules for using relevant is when it is used to mean “pertinent” or “applicable.” In this case, it can be used to describe something that is not necessarily directly related, but still has relevance to the topic at hand. For example:

• While the book is not specifically about the topic, it does contain some relevant information.
• His experience in a different industry may be relevant to our current project.

Another exception to the rules for using relevant is when it is used in a more general sense to mean “significant” or “important.” In this case, it can be used to describe something that is not necessarily related at all, but is still noteworthy. For example:

• The politician’s past behavior is not directly relevant to the current issue, but it is still worth considering.
• The artist’s early work may not be relevant to their current style, but it is still valuable to study.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of relative and relevant is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you master these concepts:

Exercise 1: Relative Pronouns

Identify the relative pronoun in each sentence and explain its function:

1.	The book that I read last night was amazing.
2.	The woman who won the race was very fast.
3.	The car, which was parked in the driveway, was red.

Answers:

• 1. That – introduces the restrictive clause that modifies “book”
• 2. Who – introduces the restrictive clause that modifies “woman”
• 3. Which – introduces the non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about “car”

Exercise 2: Relevant Information

Identify the relevant information in each sentence and explain why it is important:

1.	The company’s profits increased by 20% last quarter.
2.	The new software update fixes several critical security vulnerabilities.
3.	The study found a significant correlation between smoking and lung cancer.

Answers:

• 1. “profits increased by 20%” – this is the relevant information because it shows the company’s financial performance
• 2. “fixes several critical security vulnerabilities” – this is the relevant information because it highlights the importance of the software update
• 3. “significant correlation between smoking and lung cancer” – this is the relevant information because it provides important health information

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between relative and relevant is crucial for effective communication. The two words may sound similar, but their meanings are vastly different. Relative refers to something that is connected or compared to something else, while relevant refers to something that is directly related or applicable to a particular situation.

It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. Using relative instead of relevant can lead to a lack of clarity in communication and may even result in the wrong conclusion being drawn. On the other hand, using relevant instead of relative can make a statement too specific and limit its scope.

As writers and communicators, it is our responsibility to use language accurately and effectively. By understanding the nuances of words like relative and relevant, we can communicate our ideas clearly and efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Relative and relevant are two words that are often confused with each other.
• Relative refers to something that is connected or compared to something else, while relevant refers to something that is directly related or applicable to a particular situation.
• Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.
• Using relative instead of relevant can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, while using relevant instead of relative can limit the scope of a statement.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, keep in mind the importance of using words accurately and effectively. By doing so, you can become a more skilled and successful communicator.