a relatively strict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively strict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a standard, rule, or guideline that is somewhat severe or demanding, but not the most extreme. Example: "The school has a relatively strict dress code that students are expected to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A relatively strict limit on cost per month of life is unlikely to work in the United States.

MIT Technology Review

Over the next several years, as his alcoholism worsened, his days on New Lots Avenue were distilled to a relatively strict schedule, friends said.

The New York Times

His survey had a relatively strict definition of bullying: workers qualified as being bullied if they had experienced persistent demeaning and devaluing treatment.

Nature

Mrs Casey had been having an affair with married Ian Tolfrey since 2002 and ran her life and lovers on a "relatively strict schedule".

Independent

Since 2003, the F.D.A. has maintained a relatively strict policy toward the pharmacies, requiring that medications be custom-made for specific patients and be available only through the prescription of a doctor or veterinarian.

The New York Times - Sports

Some state legislators criticized the bill, saying it would override state legislation, including a relatively strict bill in California that requires companies to have consumers' consent before sending commercial e-mail.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

This is partly due to metered volumetric allocation and partly due to a relatively stricter economic water pricing system.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The process for obtaining a license for personal possession of a gun is relatively strict, but shootings by teenagers in schools over the past two years have led to calls for more safeguards.

The New York Times

His major objection was not to the rules themselves, but to the legal maneuver the FCC used to claim the authority to impose them changing broadband's designation from information service to telecommunications service, thereby making ISPs common carriers, a class that faces relatively strict regulations and includes telephone service providers, airlines, and trucking services.

MIT Technology Review

Despite this reform, the requirements to access a pension are still relatively strict in comparison with the rest of the region.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

"For somebody who's university trained, it's a little bit of a shock that you have relatively strict outlines as to what you can do and how to focus your efforts," explains Lamontagne.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing guidelines or criteria, use "a relatively strict" to indicate that while the rules are firm, they are not necessarily the most severe possible. This avoids overstating the degree of strictness.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a relatively strict" when the situation warrants a stronger term like "extremely strict" or "absolutely rigid". Assess the degree of strictness accurately to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively strict" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that something has a certain degree of rigor or stringency but is not absolute. Ludwig examples show it modifying terms like "policy", "definition", and "criterion".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relatively strict" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe standards, rules, or criteria that are somewhat firm but not excessively rigid. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including science, news, and business. When writing, using "a relatively strict" indicates a degree of stringency that is present but not absolute. Alternatives include "fairly rigid" or "moderately stringent", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid overstating the degree of strictness to maintain accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly rigid

Emphasizes inflexibility and adherence to established norms.

moderately stringent

Highlights the demanding nature of the requirements, but to a limited extent.

somewhat demanding

Focuses on the effort or difficulty imposed by the rules.

reasonably firm

Implies a strong but not unyielding adherence.

comparatively exact

Stresses the precision and accuracy demanded.

relatively inflexible

Focuses on the lack of adaptability or modification.

rather precise

Highlights the need for meticulousness and accuracy.

kind of tight

This is less formal and emphasizes a narrow range or limit.

pretty controlled

Stresses the regulation and oversight involved.

somewhat regulated

Indicates a level of governance or oversight.

FAQs

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

You can use "a relatively strict" to describe rules, policies, or criteria that are somewhat firm but not excessively so. For example: "The company maintains "a relatively strict policy" on tardiness."

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

Alternatives include "fairly rigid", "moderately stringent", or "somewhat demanding" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a relatively strict" is suitable for formal writing as it provides a nuanced description of the level of stringency. However, ensure that the level of formality matches the surrounding text.

What's the difference between "a relatively strict" and "an absolutely strict" rule?

"A relatively strict" rule implies some degree of flexibility or moderation, whereas "an absolutely strict" rule indicates no exceptions or deviations are permitted.