a relatively quick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively quick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is faster than usual or expected, but not the fastest possible. Example: "The project was completed in a relatively quick time frame, allowing us to move on to the next phase sooner than anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, economists point to a relatively quick rebound.

The New York Times

It would have been a relatively quick taxi ride.

The New York Times - Travel

A complaint is a relatively quick method of charging someone with a crime.

The New York Times

He died of viral pneumonia, a relatively quick illness, after fighting back stomach cancer.

The New Yorker

Most buildings would still rather file a lien, a relatively quick and inexpensive process.

The New York Times

With the World Cup on the line, Sundhage will probably have a relatively quick hook.

The New York Times

It may appear as a relatively quick, uncomplicated way to secure access to funding with low barriers to entry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Screening using density functional theory (DFT) has emerged as a relatively quick and inexpensive method to evaluate candidate materials.

Chemical Engineering Science

It also exhibited a relatively quick response, reproducible and stable sensor signals, and high selectivity to VOCs.

Electrochimica Acta

WITH families scattered and everyone pressed for time, narrative therapy is viewed by some as a relatively quick fix.

The New York Times

Many families chose the fund because it offered a relatively quick resolution — the process was completed within 33 months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relatively quick" when you want to convey that something is faster than average or expected, but not necessarily the fastest possible. This phrase acknowledges a degree of comparison without claiming absolute speed.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively quick" when describing something that is inherently fast or instantaneous. The phrase implies a comparison, so it's unsuitable for situations where no comparison is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively quick" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something possesses a speed or duration that is faster than what is typical or expected, but not necessarily the absolute fastest. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relatively quick" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something faster than average, without being the absolute fastest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. Its purpose is to provide a nuanced assessment of speed or duration. When using the phrase, ensure that there is an implied comparison, and consider alternatives like "a fairly quick" or "a reasonably quick" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fairly quick

Replaces "relatively" with "fairly", indicating a slightly less precise comparison.

a reasonably quick

Substitutes "relatively" with "reasonably", suggesting a satisfactory level of speed.

a comparatively quick

Emphasizes the comparison aspect more strongly than "relatively".

a noticeably quick

Highlights that the speed is easily observed or apparent.

an unusually quick

Implies a speed that deviates from the norm.

a surprisingly quick

Suggests the speed was unexpected.

an expedited

Focuses on the act of accelerating a process.

a prompt

Indicates immediacy and readiness in the action or response.

a speedy

Replaces both words with one that directly describes speed.

a swift

Similar to "speedy" but can imply elegance or grace in the quickness.

FAQs

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

Use "a relatively quick" to describe something that's faster than average or expected. For example, "The repair process was "a relatively quick" one, taking only a few hours."

What are some alternatives to using "a relatively quick"?

You can use alternatives like "a fairly quick", "a reasonably quick", or "a comparatively quick" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a relatively quick" the same as "a very quick"?

No, "a relatively quick" implies a comparison to something else, suggesting it's faster than usual but not necessarily the fastest possible. "A very quick" simply indicates that something is fast, without a specific comparison.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a relatively quick"?

Avoid using "a relatively quick" when describing something that's already known for its speed or when there's no basis for comparison. For instance, saying "light travels at "a relatively quick" speed" is redundant because light's speed is inherently fast and well-known.