a relatively tiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively tiny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of something to other objects or quantities, indicating that it is small in relation to them. Example: "The new smartphone model is a relatively tiny device compared to its predecessors, making it easier to carry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But that's a relatively tiny portion of the city.

The New York Times

(It reportedly cost £230,000, itself a relatively tiny sum).

The Guardian - Film

But it's encouraging to hear about Sustrans' results with such a relatively tiny number of people.

The Guardian

Of course, only a relatively tiny portion of law students secure this sort of cushty arrangement.

The Guardian

But his budget makes only about $30 million available for the program, a relatively tiny amount.

The New York Times

All things considered, a relatively tiny proportion of New York land is landmarked.

The New York Times - Arts

Or do we make a relatively tiny investment in their future to set them on a path toward productivity?

University of California, Berkeley

She has also anointed a relatively tiny group of über-instructors known as Forrest Guardians to aid in maintaining standards.

The New York Times

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing account for a relatively tiny amount of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She becomes one of a relatively tiny number of female chief executives and entrepreneurs at Silicon Valley tech companies.

The New York Times

The C.I.A. put the size at one to five kilotons, a relatively tiny bomb by cold-war standards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relatively tiny" to provide context for the size or scale of something. It helps the reader understand that while something is small, it's being compared to a larger standard or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively tiny" without a clear point of comparison. Ensure the reader knows what the subject is being compared to, or the phrase loses its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively tiny" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, serving to describe something as small in relation to a specific context or comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a relatively tiny" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes something as small in comparison to something else, providing context for its size or scale. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media sources, but also in academic settings. When using "a relatively tiny", ensure there's a clear point of reference for the comparison to maintain clarity. Related phrases include "a comparatively small" and "a fairly small", offering subtle variations in emphasis. Overall, "a relatively tiny" is a versatile and useful expression for conveying nuanced information about size and proportion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comparatively small

Focuses on the comparison of size, emphasizing the smallness relative to something else.

a reasonably small

Highlights the degree of smallness, suggesting it is within acceptable limits.

a substantially smaller

Emphasizes the significant difference in size when compared to something else.

a considerably minute

Underscores the tininess by using "minute", implying a very small dimension or degree.

a notably diminutive

Uses "diminutive" to stress the small size and often cuteness or endearment.

a palpably reduced

Highlights the reduction in size in a way that is easily noticeable.

an appreciably marginal

Emphasizes that the size is small enough to be considered borderline or insignificant.

a marginally insignificant

Implies that the size or quantity is so small that it is practically negligible.

a fractionally smaller

Indicates that the size difference is only slightly smaller.

a slightly reduced

Underlines the minor difference in size from a previous or standard measurement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a relatively tiny" to describe something that is small in comparison to something else. For example, "The amount of funding allocated to the project was "a relatively tiny" portion of the overall budget."

What are some alternatives to "a relatively tiny"?

Alternatives include "a comparatively small", "a fairly small", or "a substantially smaller" depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a relatively tiny" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to provide a comparative perspective on size or scale. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

How does the meaning of "a relatively tiny" differ from "a tiny"?

"A tiny" simply indicates something is small. "A relatively tiny", on the other hand, implies that something is small in comparison to something else. The inclusion of "relatively" adds a layer of comparison that "a tiny" lacks.