comparatively infrequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively infrequent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the frequency of an event or occurrence in relation to others, indicating that it happens less often than something else. Example: "The occurrence of this phenomenon is comparatively infrequent when compared to similar events in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But opportunities to experience the sequence as a cycle are comparatively infrequent.

The New York Times - Arts

Most likely, these occurrences are comparatively infrequent and would only vary systematically across our study locations along the gradient of big game hunting intensity if accidental shooting of livestock increases during big game hunting activities.

Plosone

However, 1q gains were comparatively infrequent in carcinomas of the prostate and bile ducts as well as in renal and colorectal ca. Overall gains on 3q26q27 combined with losses on 3p were characteristic for squamous cell carcinomas and SCLC, with 3q gains also being frequent in ovarial ca. and other entities.

BMC Cancer

In contrast, monocytes show larger aggregates of closely packed CDC islets, surrounded by wide IC channels, and multilobulated nuclei of granulocytes are characterized by a compact peripheral chromatin layer around a large internal IC lacuna, from which sparse, narrow channels penetrate the compact peripheral chromatin layer toward comparatively infrequent NPCs.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Larger eruptions are relatively infrequent.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

They threw millions of people out of stable and comparatively well-paid work into infrequent, badly paid temporary jobs or trapped them in towns suddenly bereft of any reason to exist and with no jobs to apply for (intriguingly, this is a position that Norman Tebbit, a Thatcherite outrider interviewed in the book, seems to have some sympathy with).

The Economist

Adult trees, which have comparatively thick bark, are able to tolerate and recover from infrequent surface fires, but severe fires kill trees and the seeds they store, a pattern similar to that in many Australian Callitris species.

Biological Conservation

This difficulty does not exist to the same extent in fractures of the upper extremity produced by direct injury, since the ties in this limb are less bulky and tense than in the leg, and, from the nature of things, spiral or torsion fractures are of comparatively rare occurrence in the humerus, radius or ulna, though they are not infrequent in the metacarpals.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Thus, we apply a double-threshold scheme: firstly, we reduce the impact of infrequent points in the model, the relative distances from which to the other points in the model are comparatively large.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

PROFANITY -- Mild and infrequent.

The New York Times

It is very infrequent.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comparatively infrequent" to add a layer of precision, indicating a difference in frequency rather than an absolute rarity.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively infrequent" without providing a clear point of comparison. Readers should understand what the occurrence is infrequent relative to. For example, instead of saying "Side effects are comparatively infrequent", specify "Side effects are comparatively infrequent compared to other medications."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively infrequent" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying adjectives or adverbs to indicate a relative lack of frequency. As Ludwig AI tells us, this phrase correctly indicates that an event happens less often than some other event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comparatively infrequent" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate a relative lack of frequency, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's most frequently used in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts to provide a nuanced assessment of how often something occurs in relation to something else. While there are several alternatives, such as "relatively rare" or "less common in comparison", it's important to always provide context to ensure clarity. By avoiding common mistakes like omitting a point of comparison, you can effectively use "comparatively infrequent" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively rare

Directly states that something is rare in comparison.

infrequent by comparison

Rearranges the original phrase for a slightly different emphasis.

relatively rare

Emphasizes the rarity of the occurrence.

relatively uncommon

Uses a synonym for 'infrequent' while maintaining the comparative aspect.

less common in comparison

Explicitly highlights the comparison being made.

proportionately infrequent

Adds a sense of proportion to the infrequency.

not as frequent

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the idea.

comparatively unusual

Focuses on the unusual nature of the occurrence.

less often seen

Emphasizes the observation of the event.

not as often

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "comparatively infrequent" in a sentence?

You can use "comparatively infrequent" to describe events that happen less often than others. For example: "Complications from the surgery are "comparatively infrequent"."

What is a good substitute for "comparatively infrequent"?

Alternatives include "relatively rare", "less common in comparison", or "not as frequent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "comparatively infrequent" or "rare"?

"Comparatively infrequent" implies a comparison, while "rare" simply indicates that something doesn't happen often. Use "comparatively infrequent" when you want to emphasize the difference in frequency relative to something else; use "rare" when you want to emphasize the low overall occurrence.

What's the difference between "comparatively infrequent" and "infrequent"?

"Infrequent" means not happening often. "Comparatively infrequent" means not happening as often as something else. The latter sets up an explicit or implicit comparison, whereas the former is an absolute statement.