a relatively different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively different" is not correct in standard English usage.
The term "relatively" is typically used to compare two or more things, but "different" is an absolute term, making the phrase contradictory. Example: "The two models are relatively different in their design and functionality."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The mEGF effect on the MCF7 cell proliferation had a relatively different outcome; mEGF simulated differential cell growth in a dose dependent manner.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

In the present study, a relatively different approach called "reserve of stability" or "stability margins" which utilizes both statical and nonlinear dynamical aspects of stability is employed to analyze ship hydrodynamics.

Ocean Engineering

Different to XBD, CBM1 domain cannot bind solid xylan, and may cause a relatively different conformation of Xyn10A with those XBD-containing xylanases when degrading the solid xylan.

AMB Express

Since the conductance of the top layer allows modeling of high-frequency electric field variation, the relative amount of such variation among the five different storms ends up determining a relatively different set of parameters for the top layer.

Earth, Planets and Space

The global box office will be, at least for the immediate future, a three-way battle between Walt Disney (which now includes 20th Century Fox), Universal/Comcast and Warner Bros. Paramount/Viacom, Sony and Lionsgate will still matter, but they will be competing on a relatively different playing field.

Forbes

Although these reports are encouraging, we decided to explore a relatively different avenue to MPM diagnosis, based on the use of miRNA profiling.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Note that the AEZ10 of the USA covers a large area with relatively different land qualities, weather conditions, and length of growing periods between 180 to 240 days.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

However, there are some arguments which conjecture emergent gauge theories in nature from a more fundamental theory with relatively different degrees of freedom and conceivably without an intrinsic gauge invariance, i.e., violation of diffeomorphism invariance.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Certain parts of a single individual may grow for relatively different lengths of time and at different relative rates.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In fact, some CUs have a low texture but four relatively different texture complexities inside its four sub-CUs, respectively.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

"Dalton is a competitive school with a progressive ethos, which means we subscribe to two relatively different sets of values," said an article that accompanied the survey results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a nuanced comparison, consider using alternatives such as "somewhat different" or "significantly different" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid pairing "relatively" directly with absolute adjectives like "different". Opt for adverbs that better express degrees of difference, such as "slightly", "markedly", or "distinctly", to maintain grammatical accuracy and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively different" functions as a descriptive element, aiming to modify a noun. However, it combines the comparative nature of "relatively" with the absolute quality of "different", leading to grammatical ambiguity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is not correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a relatively different" appears with some frequency across diverse sources, Ludwig AI analysis identifies it as grammatically incorrect due to the conflicting nature of "relatively" (comparative) and "different" (absolute). Despite its occurrence, especially in scientific and news contexts, it's advisable to opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "somewhat different", "significantly different", or "noticeably different" to ensure clarity and maintain credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a somewhat different

This alternative replaces "relatively" with "somewhat", indicating a moderate degree of difference.

a noticeably different

Using "noticeably" suggests that the difference is easily observed or apparent.

a significantly different

This phrase implies a considerable or important difference.

a markedly different

"Markedly" suggests that the difference is clearly defined or distinct.

a distinctly different

"Distinctly" emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the difference.

a moderately different

Replacing "relatively" with "moderately" expresses a mid-level degree of difference.

a comparatively different

This option indicates that the difference is being assessed through comparison.

a marginally different

"Marginally" suggests that the difference is small or slight.

a subtly different

This phrase implies that the difference is delicate or understated.

a palpably different

"Palpably" means the difference can be easily felt or perceived.

FAQs

Is the phrase "a relatively different" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "a relatively different" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Relatively" implies a comparison, while "different" is often used as an absolute term. Consider using alternatives like "a somewhat different" or "a significantly different" instead.

What are some alternatives to "a relatively different"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a slightly different", "a markedly different", or "a noticeably different".

How can I use "relatively" correctly in a sentence involving differences?

Use "relatively" to compare two or more items. For instance, "Model A and Model B are relatively different in terms of fuel efficiency." This clarifies that a comparison is being made, and the difference isn't being stated as an absolute fact.

What's the difference between "a relatively different" and "a significantly different"?

"A relatively different" is considered grammatically incorrect by many style guides. "A significantly different" is a grammatically sound phrase that indicates a considerable degree of difference.