Cool MateLink vs Relate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Link
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Relate
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Most common: Link
| Link | Relate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈleɪt//🇺🇸 //rɪˈleɪt// |
| Meaning | A connection between things. | To show how things are connected or similar. |
| Example | Please click on the link to visit the website. | Can you relate your experience to this topic? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| Collocations | close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, audio, video, radio, have, establish, lose, via a/the link, link to, link via, embedded, hypertext, Internet, have, add, build, lead to something, point to something, work, link to | relate to, relate a story, relate with, relate concepts |
| Antonyms | disconnect, detach, divide | disconnect, separate |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'link' as a noun and verb, forgetting to use the right form., Using 'link' when a stronger word like 'connect' is needed in formal writing., Overusing 'link' instead of 'connection' in context. | Confused with 'relation' (the noun form)., Used incorrectly in passive voice, e.g., 'is related by'., Forgetting to specify what is being related. |
| Usage notes | Use 'link' in both formal and informal situations. In academic writing, it often refers to ideas or arguments connected logically. Avoid it in contexts requiring very precise language. | Use 'relate' to discuss connections or stories. It's appropriate in both casual and professional contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Link vs Relate
What's the difference between Link and Relate?
Link: A connection between things. Relate: To show how things are connected or similar.
Which is more common: Link and Relate?
Link is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Link and Relate?
Relate is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Link and Relate the same CEFR level?
Link: A2, Relate: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Link and Relate?
Link: noun, Relate: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Link: Please click on the link to visit the website. Relate: Can you relate your experience to this topic?
Can I use Link and Relate interchangeably?
Not always. Link and Relate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.