Related to vs. Relating to
What's the Difference?
"Related to" and "relating to" are both phrases that indicate a connection or association between two things. However, "related to" typically implies a more direct or specific relationship, while "relating to" suggests a broader or more general connection. For example, a book may be related to a specific topic if it directly discusses that subject, while a book may be said to be relating to a broader theme if it touches on various aspects of that theme throughout its content.
Comparison
| Attribute | Related to | Relating to |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Connected or associated with | Having a connection or association with |
| Usage | Describes the relationship between two things | Describes the action of establishing a relationship |
| Grammatical Function | Preposition | Verb |
| Part of Speech | Preposition | Verb |
Further Detail
Definition
Related to and relating to are two phrases that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Related to typically refers to a connection or association between two things, while relating to refers to the act of establishing a connection or relationship between two things. In other words, related to describes an existing relationship, while relating to describes the process of establishing a relationship.
Usage
Related to is commonly used to indicate a connection between two things that share some common characteristics or qualities. For example, you might say that two books are related to each other because they are both written by the same author. On the other hand, relating to is used to describe the act of establishing a connection or relationship between two things. For instance, you might say that a particular topic in a book relates to a current event in the news.
Examples
To further illustrate the difference between related to and relating to, consider the following examples:
- The movie is related to the book because they both tell the same story.
- The article relating to climate change discusses the impact of global warming on the environment.
Similarities
Despite their differences, related to and relating to are similar in that they both involve establishing connections between two things. Whether describing an existing relationship or the act of establishing a relationship, both phrases serve to link two concepts together in some way. This common goal of establishing connections is what makes related to and relating to such versatile and useful phrases in the English language.
Context
When deciding whether to use related to or relating to in a sentence, it is important to consider the context in which the phrase is being used. Related to is typically used when describing a connection between two things that already exist, while relating to is used when discussing the act of establishing a connection between two things. By paying attention to the context in which these phrases are used, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, related to and relating to are two phrases that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Related to describes an existing relationship between two things, while relating to describes the act of establishing a relationship. By understanding the differences between these two phrases and using them appropriately in your writing, you can effectively communicate the connections between various concepts and ideas.
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