What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relatum
Example
In the sentence 'John is taller than Mary,' John and Mary are the two relata. [relatum: noun]
Example
The relatum of the word 'father' is 'son' in the sentence 'John is the father of his son.' [relatum: noun]
Example
In the phrase 'the book on the table,' 'book' is the relatum of the preposition 'on.' [relatum: noun]
correlative
Example
In the sentence 'either John or Mary will come,' 'either' and 'or' are correlatives. [correlative: noun]
Example
The correlative conjunction 'not only...but also' connects two clauses in the sentence 'She not only sings but also dances.' [correlative: adjective]
Example
In the phrase 'as many as,' 'as' and 'as' are correlatives that express a comparison. [correlative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Correlative is a more common term than relatum in everyday language and grammar.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between relatum and correlative?
Relatum is a more formal term used in specific fields, while correlative is a versatile term used in both formal and informal contexts.