Introduction
In this pattern, the relationship is determined using marriage connections - such as husband-wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, father-in-law, or mother-in-law. These questions often combine gender logic with in-law relationships that extend beyond direct blood relations. Mastering this pattern helps in solving many complex blood relation problems quickly and accurately in reasoning exams.
Pattern: Spouse / Marriage-Based Relationship
Pattern
The key idea: Identify the marriage pair first, then trace how the person in question is connected to the spouse’s family.
Typical question types involve:
- Brother-in-law / Sister-in-law
- Father-in-law / Mother-in-law
- Son-in-law / Daughter-in-law
- Husband / Wife linkage
Step-by-Step Example
Question
A is married to B. B is the sister of C. How is A related to C?
(A) Brother (B) Brother-in-law (C) Son (D) Uncle
Solution
-
Step 1: Decode relationships.
A → married to B → A is husband of B. B → sister of C → C is sibling of B (same generation). -
Step 2: Connect chain.
A is husband of B → B’s sibling C becomes A’s brother/sister-in-law. -
Step 3: Apply gender logic.
A is male → relationship to C (B’s sibling) = Brother-in-law. -
Final Answer:
Brother-in-law → Option B. -
Quick Check:
Wife’s brother = Brother-in-law ✅
Quick Variations
1. Questions may describe marriage across two families (e.g., “A is married to B; B’s brother is married to C”).
2. Sometimes gender is not directly stated, requiring inference from context.
3. May involve two-step connections such as “father-in-law’s brother” or “sister’s husband.”
4. Some versions include comparison between in-law relations (e.g., “Who among them is related by marriage?”).
Trick to Always Use
- Step 1 → Identify the married pair first.
- Step 2 → Trace through the spouse to find indirect connections (e.g., siblings or parents).
- Step 3 → Apply gender logic correctly - male vs. female determines whether it’s “brother-in-law” or “sister-in-law.”
- Step 4 → If gender is missing, choose “Cannot be determined.”
Summary
Summary
- Always start by identifying the married pair in the statement.
- Trace the relation step by step through the spouse’s family members.
- Use gender clues carefully to choose between male/female in-law titles.
- When gender or marital direction is unclear, choose “Cannot be determined.”
Example to remember:
If A is married to B and B is the sister of C → A is C’s brother-in-law.
Hint: Spouse’s sibling = brother/sister-in-law.
Common Mistakes: Selecting 'brother' instead of 'brother-in-law'.