Comparatively small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Comparatively small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one object or entity to another, indicating that it is smaller in relation to something else. Example: "The new smartphone model is comparatively small when compared to its predecessor, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comparatively small and short in Cordulegaster bidentatus.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Compared to other reports, this is a comparatively small percentage.

Conflict and Health

Japanese losses were comparatively small.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The photodissolution is comparatively small.

Electrochimica Acta

But these services are comparatively small.

The New York Times

Other than providing compensation, the State's role is comparatively small.

Cornell University

But a comparatively small number are equipped with ANPR technology.

The Guardian

Or they operated on a comparatively small scale.

The New York Times - Magazine

The statement called the $380,000 award "comparatively small".

The New York Times

There are signs that the demonstrations will be comparatively small.

The New York Times

Chinese consumers have played a comparatively small part.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Comparatively small" to provide a sense of scale when contrasting two or more items, ensuring the context makes the comparison clear. For example, "The startup's budget was comparatively small compared to industry giants, but its innovation was significant."

Common error

Avoid using "Comparatively small" without a clear reference point for the comparison. Saying "The office is comparatively small" is vague; instead, specify what it's small compared to, such as "The office is comparatively small compared to their previous location."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively small" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by providing a comparative measure of its size. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, and examples show its use across various contexts to indicate that something is smaller relative to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparatively small" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to describe the size of something in relation to another. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's appropriate across a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure a clear point of comparison is established to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "relatively small" or "slightly small" can be used to subtly alter the nuance of your comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Relatively small

This alternative uses "relatively" instead of "comparatively", indicating a slightly different perspective on the size comparison, but is quite similar.

Moderately small

Replaces "comparatively" with "moderately", suggesting a slightly lesser degree of smallness.

Slightly small

Uses "slightly" to indicate a minimal degree of smallness in comparison.

Somewhat small

Employs "somewhat" to express a limited degree of smallness when compared to something else.

Smaller in comparison

Rephrases the original to emphasize the act of comparing sizes.

Notably smaller

Suggests the difference in size is significant enough to be noticed.

Substantially smaller

Implies a considerable difference in size.

Measurably smaller

Indicates that the size difference can be quantified.

Marginally smaller

Suggests a very slight difference in size.

A bit smaller

Uses a more informal and less precise way to describe the size difference.

FAQs

How can I use "Comparatively small" in a sentence?

Use "Comparatively small" when you want to indicate that something is smaller than something else, providing context for the comparison. For example, "The town's population is "comparatively small" compared to the nearby metropolis."

What are some alternatives to "Comparatively small"?

You can use alternatives like "relatively small", "moderately small", or "slightly small" depending on the context and the degree of difference you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Comparatively small" or "Relatively small"?

Both "Comparatively small" and "relatively small" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Comparatively" might suggest a more direct comparison is being made.

When should I use "Comparatively small" instead of just saying "Small"?

Use "Comparatively small" when you want to emphasize the size in relation to something else. Simply saying "small" is appropriate when the size is being described without a specific point of comparison.