a relatively recent

USAGE SUMMARY

"a relatively recent" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has happened or been developed relatively recently in comparison to other similar things or events. For example, "The scientific understanding of climate change is a relatively recent development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ronan Farrow is a relatively recent invention.

The New York Times - Style

Miller is a relatively recent Vermont transplant.

The New Yorker

"GLOBALISATION" is a relatively recent term.

The Economist

It's a relatively recent development.

Harvard University

It's a relatively recent phenomenon".

The New York Times - Science

Milk is a relatively recent, European addition.

The New York Times

But that is a relatively recent development.

The New Yorker

This is a relatively recent occurrence.

The New York Times

This puzzle is a relatively recent construction.

The New York Times

Widespread petkeeping is a relatively recent phenomenon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Smilodon is a relatively recent sabertooth, from the Late Pleistocene.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relatively recent" to indicate that something is new or recent in comparison to something else, providing context for its newness.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively recent" without providing a reference point for comparison. Ensure the reader understands what the subject is recent compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively recent" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by specifying that the noun is recent in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relatively recent" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is new in comparison to a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in writing. While appropriate for a wide range of contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide a reference point for the comparison when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "a fairly new" or "a modern" as context dictates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fairly new

Replaces 'recent' with 'new', implying newness more directly than relativity.

a comparatively recent

Emphasizes the comparison aspect of 'recent' more explicitly.

a recently developed

Focuses on the development aspect and implies a process of becoming.

a modern

Implies something belonging to the present or recent times, rather than explicitly comparing.

a contemporary

Similar to 'modern', suggesting something existing in the same time period.

a latter-day

Evokes a sense of being characteristic of more recent times, often in contrast to an earlier period.

of late origin

Stresses the origin or beginning point being in the recent past.

newfangled

Suggests novelty and often implies skepticism or disapproval.

fresh

Conveys a sense of being new, innovative, or recently made.

just out

Refers to something newly released or available.

FAQs

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

Use "a relatively recent" to describe something that is new compared to something else. For example, "The understanding of quantum entanglement is "a relatively recent development" in physics".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a fairly new", "a modern", or "a contemporary".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "a relatively recent"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "a relatively recent" can sound awkward. Consider rephrasing the sentence for better flow; for example, instead of "A relatively recent trend is...", try "Recently, there has been a trend...".

What is the difference between "a relatively recent" and "a very recent"?

"A relatively recent" implies a comparison to something else, whereas "a very recent" simply emphasizes the recency of something without specific comparison. "The invention of the internet is "a relatively recent invention" compared to the printing press," versus "The discovery of the Higgs boson is "a very recent discovery"".