Meaning & use
respectively usage
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
The way the adverb 'respectively' is used to match two lists in the same order.
Grammar: It is a topic phrase, not a sentence part; in real sentences 'respectively' comes at the end of the clause after a comma.
Patterns
- X and Y respectively
- A, B and C respectively
The guide explains the respectively usage that confuses many students.
Her question about respectively usage came up in the writing class.
Good respectively usage keeps the two lists clearly paired.
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
A note or explanation of how to place 'respectively' correctly in a sentence.
Grammar: Often appears in grammar books and style guides as a heading.
Patterns
- a note on respectively usage
- rules for respectively usage
The style guide has a short section on respectively usage.
Teachers often give a lesson on respectively usage before essay writing.
Common combinations
- use respectively correctly
- Few students can use respectively correctly on the first try.
- respectively usage rules
- The respectively usage rules are simple once you see an example.
- commas with respectively
- Commas with respectively are needed before the word.
- match two lists respectively
- You match two lists respectively by keeping the same order.
Synonyms and how they differ
- respectively
- The word itself; 'respectively usage' just names the topic of using it.
Word family
- respective adjective
- Relating to each person or thing separately.
- respectively adverb
- In the same order as the things already mentioned.
Commonly confused: respectively usage or respectfully? respectively usage or respectable?
respectively usage vs respectfully
'Respectfully' means in a polite, respectful way; 'respectively' means in the same order as a list.
respectively usage vs respectable
'Respectable' means good enough to be accepted socially; it has nothing to do with ordering lists.
Practice
Tom and Anna scored 90 and 75 ___ .
Choose one answer.
'Respectively' matches Tom with 90 and Anna with 75 in the same order. 'Respectfully' is about politeness, and 'respective' is an adjective that cannot end the clause.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “respectively usage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.