a relatively less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively less" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when trying to compare something that is lesser in degree or amount, but the correct form should be "relatively less" without the article "a." Example: "This option is relatively less expensive than the other alternatives."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For instance, for species on the mainland and on relatively balanced and species-rich islands, competition with other species resulted in a relatively less dwarfed body size.

The Guardian

With a relatively less well off and less healthy population, Scotland gains from pensioner credits and disability benefits, Brown will argue.

The Guardian

The more the economy tanks and steals Americans' attention from a relatively less violent Iraq, the more voters learn that the Republicans have little to offer beyond their one-size-fits-all panacea of extending the Bush tax cuts.

The New York Times

"The greater awareness of and emphasis on internationalism and globalization within higher education, coupled with the greater availability of study abroad programs, has made domestic exchange a relatively less appealing prospect," says Frances E. Tuleja, Amherst's associate dean of students.

The New York Times

The death toll remains below that of the 2008 quake, owing, it seems, to the combination of a relatively less intense tremor and the fact that the area is more sparsely populated, with people living in smaller buildings.

The New Yorker

People with a low income may therefore select a relatively less healthy diet.

Nutrition

However, the convolution-differential operator equations (CDOEs) are a relatively less investigated subject (see [13]).

Boundary Value Problems

At 300 °C, a relatively less amount of MgO transforms to its carbonates.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

India, as a relatively less penetrated market, appears to hold great potential for getting a large volume of users onboard.

TechCrunch

In contrast, non-loaded neo-tendon revealed loosely and less deposited matrices in a relatively less organized pattern.

Biomaterials

A relatively less research work is contributed in this field and has a good scope in the future.

Procedia Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the article "a" before "relatively less". The correct phrasing is "relatively less". For example: "This method is relatively less expensive."

Common error

Don't insert the article "a" before the phrase. Although frequently found, "a relatively less" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "relatively less" without the article.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively less" functions as a modifier, aiming to express a lesser degree of something. However, according to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically incorrect, as the article "a" is misplaced. The correct form is "relatively less".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a relatively less" is used to indicate a lesser degree, but is deemed grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. The correct phrasing is "relatively less". While frequently found in various contexts, including science and news, its incorrect grammar makes it unsuitable for formal writing. For alternatives, consider using phrases like "somewhat less" or "comparatively lower" to convey the intended meaning with better accuracy. Although the examples are frequent, it is important to adhere to correct grammar and avoid the article "a" in this context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively smaller

Similar meaning but grammatically correct, omitting the unnecessary "a".

somewhat less

Emphasizes a slight reduction or decrease, replacing the more complex "a relatively less" with a simpler modifier.

comparatively lower

Highlights a comparison to something else, suggesting a reduced level in relation to a standard or another item.

proportionately smaller

Focuses on the size or amount being reduced in proportion to something else, providing a more specific measurement.

moderately reduced

Indicates a reduction that is not drastic but still noticeable, using "moderately" to temper the degree of change.

noticeably fewer

Highlights that there are fewer items or instances, making the reduction apparent to the observer.

slightly diminished

Suggests a mild reduction or weakening, suitable for situations where the change is subtle.

marginally decreased

Indicates a small decrease, often used in statistical or quantitative contexts to show a slight change.

fractionally lower

Emphasizes that the reduction is only a small fraction, often used when precision is important.

minimally impaired

Implies the functionality or quality is slightly reduced or affected, ideal when the impact is small.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "relatively less" in a sentence?

Use "relatively less" without the article "a". For example, instead of saying "a relatively less expensive option", say "This option is "relatively less expensive"".

What is a good alternative to "a relatively less"?

Consider using phrases like "somewhat less", "comparatively lower", or "relatively smaller" to convey a similar meaning with better grammatical accuracy.

Is there a difference in meaning between "a relatively less" and "relatively less"?

While the intended meaning might be understood, "a relatively less" is grammatically incorrect. "Relatively less" is the correct form to use.

Why is "a relatively less" considered grammatically incorrect?

The structure "a relatively less" incorrectly combines an article with an adverb modifying a comparative adjective. The correct structure omits the article: "relatively less".