a derived-case strategy for equative constructions which consists of a relative clause-like construction where the matrix clause expresses that the gradable predicative scale applies to the comparee, and a relative clause expresses that the same scale applies to the standard. The relative clause is reduced to a relativizer and an argument phrase expressing the standard; the zero copula strategy is used for predicate identity. Example: Lithuanian Šiandien taip šalta kaip vakar 'Today it is as cold as yesterday' is an instance of the relative-based equative strategy: Šiandien taip šalta 'today [is] so cold' is the matrix clause, with the degree marker taip 'so', and kaip vakar 'how yesterday' is the relative-based clause, with the pronoun kaip 'how', the standard, 'yesterday', and a zero predicate. Typically the relative-based equative recruits a correlative relative clause, with a free ( indefinite head) relative or interrogative-based relative pronoun. (Section 17.2.4)