but relatively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but relatively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a comparison or to indicate that something is true to a certain extent, but not absolutely. Example: "The project was challenging, but relatively manageable given the tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not actually dumb but relatively dumber.

The New Yorker

The Mets retaliated but relatively tamely.

The New York Times - Sports

They should be soft, but relatively uncoloured.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am educated and self-employed but relatively low-earning.

The Guardian - Opinion

But relatively few of this type have been found.

The New York Times - Science

But relatively few of us saw Lunt and Fontanne.

The New York Times

Security across the region was tight but relatively unobtrusive.

The New York Times

But relatively few of them received the shots.

The New York Times - Health

That is a stable but relatively low-growth business.

The New York Times

But relatively little has been done in Baluchistan.

The New York Times

Gertrude, as queen, is significant but relatively powerless.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but relatively" to introduce a contrasting idea while acknowledging a partial or limited similarity or connection. This helps to provide a nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "but relatively" when a simple contrast is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound convoluted. For instance, instead of saying, "The task was difficult, but relatively simple", consider just saying, "The task was difficult, but simple" if the relative aspect isn't crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but relatively" functions as an adverbial modifier introducing a contrast with a degree of qualification. It connects two opposing ideas while indicating that the second idea is true to a certain extent, but not absolutely. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but relatively" is a versatile tool for expressing contrast while acknowledging a limited degree of similarity or connection. As evidenced by the examples and analysis provided by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and correctly employed to provide nuanced perspectives in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet comparatively

Changes the conjunction and uses a more formal adverb to express comparison.

however, in comparison

Replaces "but" with "however" and adds "in comparison" to emphasize the comparative aspect.

though somewhat

Uses "though" instead of "but" and "somewhat" to soften the contrast.

while comparatively

Starts with "while" to introduce a contrasting element alongside a comparison.

even so, in a relative sense

Emphasizes the contrast with "even so" and specifies "in a relative sense" to clarify the limited comparison.

but by comparison

Directly includes "by comparison" to highlight the contrastive assessment.

yet on a smaller scale

Replaces "relatively" with "on a smaller scale" to focus on size or extent.

however, to a lesser extent

Uses "however" and specifies "to a lesser extent" to indicate a reduced impact.

though to a certain degree

Implies a limitation or qualification, similar to "relatively".

while not entirely

Focuses on the lack of completeness or totality.

FAQs

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

Use "but relatively" to introduce a contrast while acknowledging a degree of similarity or connection. For example, "The cost is high, "but relatively" affordable compared to other options".

What are some alternatives to using "but relatively"?

You can use alternatives such as "however, in comparison", "though somewhat", or "yet comparatively" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to include "relatively" when making a comparison with "but"?

No, the inclusion of "relatively" depends on whether you want to emphasize that the comparison is not absolute. If the contrast is straightforward, "but" alone may suffice. For instance, "The car is old, but reliable" doesn't necessarily need "relatively".

What is the difference between "but relatively" and "but quite"?

"But relatively" implies a comparison where one thing is less than another in some aspect, while "but quite" suggests a stronger contrast or a surprising degree of something. For example, "The room was small, but relatively clean" suggests it was cleaner than expected for its size, while "The room was small, but quite clean" emphasizes its cleanliness despite its size.