a relatively speedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively speedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is faster than average but not the fastest possible. Example: "The new delivery service offers a relatively speedy option for getting packages to customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Money-saving tips If you want a relatively speedy sale, then it's important to hire a reliable solicitor.

Independent

Fortunately, the island's diminutive size – it is half the size of Wales – means that getting to the sights is a relatively speedy business.

Independent

Those three games lasted 3 hours 46 minutes, 3 48 and 3 21, the final one a relatively speedy affair considering it went to 10 innings.

The New York Times - Sports

It's normally a relatively speedy process, but at midday Wednesday an academy spokeswoman warned in an e-mail, "We're still trying to contact the honorees.

The New York Times

A bill that has been passed by the Assembly Judiciary Committee and supported by Gov. Christine Todd Whitman would eliminate the $500 cap and allow frustrated records-seekers to file a complaint in municipal court, a relatively speedy, inexpensive process.

The New York Times

Due to these preparations, there was a relatively speedy recovery of transport services: the first subway lines ran three days after Sandy, with 80% of the system in use after five days.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Strengths of the paper include a cost-effective and relatively speedy study in an area where there is policy commitment to change; researchers sharing research tasks for reliability, comparing notes and discussing within a team of social scientists and clinicians.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

But even that relatively speedy track could mean a decision might not come until the fall.

The New York Times

The bill, "The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act," was signed into law, signaling a rare occasion where an episode of horrific gun violence resulted in direct and relatively speedy legislative action.

Vice

The government's response seemed relatively speedy, with Vice President Jorge Glas - a potential candidate in the February 2017 vote - flying into the disaster zone within hours and Correa coming straight back from a trip in Italy.

Huffington Post

The bill, the "Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act," marked the rare occasion when an episode of horrific gun violence resulted in direct and relatively speedy legislative action.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relatively speedy" when comparing the speed of two similar actions or processes. It emphasizes that one is faster in comparison to the other.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively speedy" when something is genuinely fast or exceptionally quick. Reserve it for situations where the speed is noticeably above average but not outstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively speedy" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating its speed in comparison to others. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies something is faster than average, but not exceptionally so.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a relatively speedy" is used to describe something that is faster than average but not extraordinarily so. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It functions as an adjectival modifier, providing a nuanced description of speed in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While not extremely common, its usage is generally neutral and appropriate. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its comparative nature, indicating a speed that is noticeably above average but not exceptional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately fast

Emphasizes the speed is within a moderate range, suggesting less intensity than "speedy".

fairly quick

Uses "quick" instead of "speedy", implying a slightly less formal tone.

reasonably rapid

Replaces "speedy" with "rapid", adding a slightly more formal tone.

comparatively fast

Highlights the speed in comparison to something else, making it explicitly relative.

quite swift

Substitutes "speedy" with "swift", giving a slightly more literary or elegant feel.

expeditious to some degree

Uses a more formal and complex construction, emphasizing the efficiency to a certain extent.

somewhat accelerated

Focuses on the acceleration aspect of the speed, highlighting the change in velocity.

a bit fast

Simplifies the phrase, using "a bit" to indicate the relative degree of speed.

noticeably faster

Emphasizes that the speed is perceptibly quicker than the norm or a previous state.

remarkably brisk

Implies a positive assessment of the speed, suggesting efficiency and liveliness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a relatively speedy" to describe a process, action, or recovery that is faster than average but not exceptionally fast. For example, "The company implemented "a relatively speedy solution" to resolve the customer's issue."

What are some alternatives to "a relatively speedy"?

Alternatives to "a relatively speedy" include "moderately fast", "fairly quick", or "reasonably rapid". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

Yes, "a relatively speedy" is generally appropriate in formal writing, especially when providing factual descriptions. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "reasonably rapid" or "comparatively fast" if a higher degree of formality is required.

What's the difference between "a relatively speedy" and "a speedy"?

"A speedy" implies something is generally fast, while "a relatively speedy" indicates that something is faster than average but not the fastest possible. The addition of "relatively" adds a degree of comparison and nuance.