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)