a relatively free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that allows for a moderate level of freedom or flexibility compared to other situations. Example: "In this country, we enjoy a relatively free press that allows for diverse opinions and reporting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Egypt also has a relatively free press.

The Economist

David Cameron has a relatively free hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

For years, electric utilities in New York have operated with a relatively free hand.

The New York Times

Jamaica, an island nation of less than 3 million, boasts a relatively free and open media.

The Guardian

Usually, in a relatively free market, labor-supply shortages resolve themselves over time.

The New Yorker

It has a decent record on civil liberties and a relatively free press.

The Economist

In America gas is now traded in a relatively free market.

The Economist

But in Pakistan and other Muslim countries with a relatively free press, writers are raising it openly and bluntly.

The New York Times

By James Ledbetter November 3, 2015 Usually, in a relatively free market, labor-supply shortages resolve themselves over time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In Beverly Hills, the OMA architects were working with a relatively free-spending private client and (this being a fashion store) an emphasis on appearances.

The New York Times - Magazine

The world is watching the Canadian cannabis market to see how legalization plays out in a relatively free-market landscape.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relatively free" when you want to indicate a qualified level of freedom, acknowledging that some limitations may still exist. This phrase is useful for providing a nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively free" when describing situations that are truly completely free. This phrase implies a moderate level of freedom, not absolute liberty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively free" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically as an adjectival phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating a degree of freedom that is not absolute but is greater than other possible states. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a relatively free" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe situations or entities that possess a degree of freedom, albeit not absolute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests a qualified liberty, which acknowledges some limitations, unlike "completely free". Consider alternative expressions like "somewhat unrestricted" or "fairly open" to add specific nuances to your writing. Using "a relatively free" appropriately allows for precision and avoids overstating the extent of freedom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unrestricted

Emphasizes the lack of restrictions, but still implies some limitations.

fairly open

Highlights the accessibility and lack of barriers, suggesting ease of participation.

moderately liberated

Focuses on the act of being freed, suggesting a release from previous constraints.

comparatively unconstrained

Stresses the limited nature of the constraint, especially when compared to something else.

reasonably permissive

Indicates that the rules or regulations are not strictly enforced, allowing for more leniency.

relatively unrestrained

Highlights the absence of restraint, implying a greater degree of freedom in action or expression.

largely autonomous

Emphasizes the self-governing aspect and independence.

mostly independent

Stresses freedom from external control or influence.

generally unrestricted

Signifies a lack of restrictions in most cases, but allows for exceptions.

relatively flexible

Highlights the adaptability and ease of modification within a certain scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a relatively free" to describe a situation with some, but not total, freedom. For example, "The country has "a relatively free press", allowing diverse opinions, though some restrictions apply."

What's a good alternative to "a relatively free"?

Alternatives include "somewhat unrestricted", "fairly open", or "moderately liberated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a relatively free" even if there are some limitations?

Yes, "a relatively free" is appropriate when there is a degree of freedom but not complete liberty. It acknowledges the existence of some constraints while still emphasizing a level of openness or independence.

What's the difference between "a relatively free" and "completely free"?

"A relatively free" implies that there are some limitations or restrictions, while "completely free" suggests the total absence of constraints. The former is more nuanced and acknowledges potential limitations, whereas the latter signifies absolute liberty.