be relatively insignificant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be relatively insignificant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a minor or unimportant impact or effect in comparison to other factors. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, the cost of the project may be relatively insignificant when considering the potential benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

By that yardstick, windfalls like the Halifax shares should be relatively insignificant.

The Economist

The effect that material density has on P–I curves was studied and found to be relatively insignificant.

International Journal of Impact Engineering

"Depending on what the victims say will determine the kind of case and whether it will be relatively insignificant charges or profoundly life altering charges," he said.

The New York Times

It should be emphasized that linking sites together is essential if the nature of an ancient society is to be understood, as the information at a single location may be relatively insignificant by itself.

Britannica

Most Wall Street economists have said that the consequences of a temporary government shutdown would be relatively insignificant, particularly because spending on essential services — a large portion of the budget — would continue.

The New York Times

The effect of the larger anode surface area on power was shown to be relatively insignificant by adding graphite granules or using graphite fiber brushes in the LMFC anode chamber.

Journal of Power Sources

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The effects of BLPs and CLPs at three lipid concentrations on the apoptosis were relatively insignificant relative to the negative control.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Agriculture is relatively insignificant.

Britannica

By contrast, nonreligious, civic holidays have been relatively insignificant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Forestry and fishing are relatively insignificant components of the economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this regime, back face collection efficiency is relatively insignificant.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be relatively insignificant", ensure you're providing a clear point of comparison. What is it insignificant compared to? This adds clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be relatively insignificant" when something is actually completely insignificant. The phrase implies a small degree of importance, not a total lack of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be relatively insignificant" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It indicates that something possesses a degree of insignificance when compared against a specific baseline, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be relatively insignificant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to diminish the importance of something in comparison to other factors. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general discussions. The phrase implies a degree of insignificance, advising against its use when something is entirely without importance. Understanding the comparative nature of this phrase is key to using it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be of minor importance

Focuses on the degree of importance rather than comparing it to something else.

be of little consequence

Emphasizes the lack of impact or result.

be not very important

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

be fairly trivial

Highlights the insignificance of something, suggesting it's inconsequential.

be hardly noticeable

Focuses on the lack of perceptibility or visibility.

be essentially irrelevant

Indicates that something has no bearing on the matter at hand.

be practically negligible

Stresses that something is so small it can be ignored.

be substantially immaterial

Highlights that something lacks substance or relevance in a formal context.

be not a major factor

Indicates that something does not significantly influence an outcome.

be comparatively small

Focuses on the small size or amount of something in comparison to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "be relatively insignificant" in a sentence?

You can use "be relatively insignificant" to describe something that has a minor or unimportant impact in comparison to other factors. For example, "The cost of the repair "is relatively insignificant" compared to the overall value of the property".

What can I say instead of "be relatively insignificant"?

You can use alternatives like "be of minor importance", "be of little consequence", or "be fairly trivial" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is insignificant" or "is relatively insignificant"?

"Is insignificant" implies a complete lack of importance, while "is relatively insignificant" suggests a low level of importance compared to something else. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What is the difference between "be relatively insignificant" and "be negligible"?

"Be negligible" means something is so small it can be safely ignored. "Be relatively insignificant" implies a comparison and suggests that something is less important than something else. While similar, "be negligible" implies a smaller degree of impact.