a relatively fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively fast" is correct and may be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not as fast as it could be, but still faster than average. For example: "He completed the test in a relatively fast time, considering he had never taken a similar test before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This was a relatively fast program".

The New York Times

So I developed a relatively fast and almost unattended braise.

The New York Times - Food

The sensors permit a relatively fast conditioning time.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

During the past decade, CEO pay increased at a relatively fast pace.

Harvard University

But he hoped that Mr. Obama's statements about a relatively fast pullout were mere campaign talk.

The New York Times

Governments are able to plot a relatively fast exit from their equity investments.

The Economist

Tobramycin had a low degree of distribution and a relatively fast elimination.

The Veterinary Journal

A relatively fast cooling-down rate for this cryogenic chamber was obtained.

Applied Thermal Engineering

A relatively fast self-discharge of doped polymer electrodes, left standing in electrolytic medium, was observed.

Electrochimica Acta

The researchers, who reported on their work in the journal Science, found mutations occurring at a relatively fast clip.

The New York Times - Science

Purists believe that running a marathon should be just that — running the entire course at a relatively fast clip.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relatively fast" to indicate something is quicker than average but not the absolute fastest. It's useful when setting expectations or comparing performance.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively fast" when describing something that is genuinely very fast. Choose stronger adjectives like "rapid" or "swift" to accurately reflect the speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively fast" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its speed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates something is quicker than average but not exceptionally fast, allowing for comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relatively fast" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something that is faster than average, but not exceptionally so. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across various contexts. With a neutral register and frequent occurrence in science, news and media, and academic sources, it is a reliable choice for qualifying speed. When using this phrase, remember to consider stronger adjectives if you are describing something truly exceptional. This helps to provide clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonably quick

Implies a speed that is acceptable or satisfactory, rather than exceptionally fast.

a fairly rapid

Emphasizes the swiftness or quickness of an action or process.

a comparatively speedy

Highlights the speed in relation to something else being compared.

an adequately swift

Indicates that the speed is sufficient for a particular purpose.

a respectably fast

Suggests the speed is good enough to be considered worthy of praise.

a moderately paced

Conveys a sense of controlled speed, neither too fast nor too slow.

a swiftly executed

Focuses on the speed of the execution or performance of something.

a promptly initiated

Emphasizes the speed with which something is started or begun.

a fleetly accomplished

Implies that something was completed or achieved with great speed and dexterity.

an expeditiously handled

Highlights the efficient and speedy manner in which something was managed or dealt with.

FAQs

How can I use "a relatively fast" in a sentence?

You can use "a relatively fast" to describe a process or action that is faster than average, but not exceptionally so. For example, "The new software allows for "a relatively fast data processing" time."

What are some alternatives to "a relatively fast"?

Some alternatives to "a relatively fast" include "a fairly rapid", "a reasonably quick", or "a comparatively speedy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a relatively fast" in formal writing?

Yes, "a relatively fast" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the context and whether a more precise or stronger adjective would be more effective. Terms like "expeditious" or "swift" may be suitable depending on the specific meaning.

What does "a relatively fast" imply about the actual speed?

The phrase "a relatively fast" implies that something is faster than the typical or expected speed, but not the fastest possible. It suggests a speed that is above average but not exceptional.