The word “respectively” can be used to clarify links between multiple separate words in a statement in scientific writing. It is used to convey to the reader that the link between two groups of words or phrases can be interpreted in terms of their appearance order. Show
What the AP Style Manual recommendsThe AP Style Manual requires authors to include a comma before the word “respectively” at the end of a sentence when making a parallel comparison between multiple items. However, they do not view it as mandatory at the moment. So this is a matter of personal preference, as long as there is consistency throughout the writing. Respectively and its commas are being seen identically to the Oxford comma. A while back, a comma was required following the third or subsequent item in a series of three or more. With time, AP had eliminated that criterion, unless the comma was absolutely necessary for clarity, like in an expression of multi-word statements. As a result, a growing number of writers are abandoning the commas for “respectively” when clarity is not a concern. Some have abandoned the term entirely. The guidance given in style manuals varies. If you are not forced to adhere to a style guide, however, let clarity be your guide. When the corresponding items are mapped clearly, you do not need a comma.
Examples of respectively at the end of a sentenceWith a comma: The accuracy obtained by Model 1 and Model 2 was 88% and 90%, respectively. Without a comma: The accuracy obtained by Model 1 and Model 2 was 88% and 90% respectively. (Both examples are correct.)
Examples of respectively in the middle of a sentenceWhen respectively is used in the middle of a sentence, it requires a comma. Example: The accuracy obtained by Model 1 and Model 2 was 88% and 90%, respectively, and these results are depicted in the figure.
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But, you do not want to be a part of the many who misuse words because they do not have a clear understanding of them. So, it is okay if you are asking, how we should use the word "respectively" when writing. The word "respectively" is an adverb used to clarify the relationships between several words in a sentence. "Respectively" means in the order mentioned and separately. An example of how to use the word "respectively" is the capital city of China and Russia is Beijing and Moscow, respectively. Although it looks very easy, there are some complications when using the word. Well, we have got you covered. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about this word. This is to ensure you know how to use this word correctly. What Does The Word "Respectively" Mean?While it is essential to have a full understanding of the meaning of a word before deciding to use the word. A lot of people are ignorant of how important it is and so they end up misusing words and not communicating accurately. For us to avoid misusing words and not communicating accurately, we will dive into the meaning, the origin, the nature, the synonyms, and the antonyms of the word "respectively." This is to ensure you have a complete understanding of the word. So, what does the word "respectively" mean, and what is its origin? The word "respectively" is borrowed from the Medieval Latin word "respectivus," (means to have regard for) gotten from the Latin word "respectus" (the past participle of respicere). Right now, we will take a deep look into the meaning of the word "respectively." In a relative sense, when comparing, the word "respectively" is used to denote that the items listed in both lists correspond to each other in the exact order they are given. It also denotes the sequential arrangement of things. It refers to a way of arrangement that relates to each separate thing that has been mentioned earlier. Another way to put it is singly in the order previously mentioned or designated. The word "respectively" means individually or separately and in an arranged order that has been mentioned previously. From the different meanings listed above, you will notice some things that are constantly emphasized: there is a list of arranged objects usually two or more and there is a reference to the first list and the order and arrangement of the first list are maintained in the second. Next, we will look into the nature of the word "respectively," the function it performs in a sentence. As you know, an adverb is a word that expresses a relation of time, place, circumstances, cause, degree, or manner. "Respectively" plays the role of an adverb in a sentence, meaning it modifies and qualifies a verb, an adjective, or another verb. The presence of "ly" at the end of the word makes it an adverb, without it the word is an adjective. Some of the synonyms of the word "respectively" are distributively, sequentially, singly, independently, corresponding, approximately, discreetly, in-particular, severally, each, and individually. The antonyms are altogether, aggregately, together, generally, jointly, and collectively. Having this knowledge in mind makes it very easy to understand how to properly use a word in a sentence. How To Properly Use "Respectively" In A SentenceNow that you clearly understand the meaning, origin, nature, synonyms, and antonyms of the word "respectively," we will dive into how to properly use the word in a sentence. We use the word "respectively" when we want to emphasize the relationship between two or more pairs of items in two parallel lists, meaning the two parallel lists usually contain the same number of items. So, you cannot use the word "respectively" when there are no parallel lists or when the parallel lists do not contain an equal amount of items. Therefore the use of the word is limited, a lot of people do not know this and they end up misusing it. Another thing you must know is that you must use the word only when there is a direct one-to-one relationship between the items in the two parallel lists. You need to know that in the modern standard of written English, the word "respectively" is used at the end of any sentence, and it is preceded by a comma. If you place the word in any other part of the sentence, you will make the sentence much more difficult to understand. You can also use the word to relate a list of parameters to some value, e.g. numeric data, the list of values follow the same order given for the list of parameters. The second list corresponds exactly with the arrangement or order of the first list. Here are some rules you are advised to follow:
Illustrative Examples on how to use the word "Respectively"We have explained all you need to know about the proper usage of the word "respectively". But for better clarity, we will take a look at some examples. Incorrect
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Some elements to notice in the examples given above:
Final ThoughtsThere is no reason for you to be confused when using the word "respectively" in a sentence. Even if there were some misunderstandings before, we have cleared it all up in this article. So, now you can use the word with confidence next time you are writing and it is fitting to convey your message. Enjoy! Shawn Manaher Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He's one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don't even want to know what he calls pancakes. Where does respectively go in a sentence?If at the end of a sentence, a comma is placed before 'respectively'. The aperture and beam efficiencies were X and Y, respectively. If in the middle of a sentence, 'respectively' is placed between two commas. The aperture and beam efficiencies were X and Y, respectively, at a beamwidth of Z.
How do you use respectively respectfully?Respectively means “in the same order already mentioned.” Respectfully means “in a way that expresses respect or high regard.” Michael and Geoffrey are brothers. They are 13 and 15, respectively. He behaved respectfully when his grandparents were around.
Can you use respectively in the middle of a sentence?If 'respectively' comes in the middle of a sentence, it should be both preceded and followed by a comma: “The OD600 values for bacterial growth in the 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 37°C groups were 0.5, 0.6, 0.9, and 0.7, respectively, at 2 hours, but all cultures reached saturation at 8 hours.”
What does it mean to respectively?/rɪˈspek·tɪv·li/ (of two or more items) with each relating to something previously mentioned, in the same order as first mentioned: George and Kenneth were married in 1980 and 1985, respectively.
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