comparatively low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively low" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate something is lower than it might typically be expected to be, or lower than something else. For example: "The cost of living in this city is comparatively low compared to other cities in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And it has a comparatively low entrance hurdle compared to day trading or something like that.

Vice

"But tractor tax was comparatively low anyway.

The Guardian

The price was a comparatively low $399,000.

The New York Times

(SunTrust shares fell a comparatively low 2.3percentt).

The New York Times

Services comprise 40% of Chinese GDP, which is comparatively low.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its comparatively low profile has traditionally meant lower prices.

The Guardian - Travel

Lancaster has enjoyed a period of comparatively low expectation.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The addition of spam links to a webpage is a comparatively low-key problem.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Young's latest show at Bortolami, titled "Punchline," is comparatively low-impact.

The New York Times

And judging by the success of the city's comparatively low-key SOM ventures, tourists will flock.

The Guardian - Travel

While the British, Australian, and American officials strongly condemned the June 2014 verdict, Canada's own reaction was comparatively low-key.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comparatively low" to objectively highlight a difference in degree or amount, ensuring you clearly state what the comparison is being made to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively low" without providing a reference point. Readers need to understand what is being compared to in order to grasp the significance of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively low" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a degree that is lower than another, real or implied, point of reference. Ludwig AI agrees this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comparatively low" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English writing. It serves to indicate that something is at a lesser degree or amount than something else, providing context and nuance. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, it's used to objectively highlight differences and comparisons, and it suggests a need for a reference point to be clearly understood. When using "comparatively low", ensure you provide a clear basis for comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measurably less

Highlights that the difference can be quantified and is not just a subjective assessment.

proportionately less

Focuses on the reduced proportion or ratio compared to something else.

markedly decreased

Suggests a clear and evident reduction from a previous or expected level.

relatively meager

Replaces "comparatively low" with adjectives that emphasize smallness in amount or degree.

considerably smaller

Emphasizes the difference in size or amount is significant.

appreciably reduced

Highlights that the reduction is significant enough to be easily perceived or measured.

moderately reduced

Suggests a decrease to a certain extent, implying a lower level without being extremely low.

tangibly lower

Focuses on the fact that the difference in level is real and measurable.

somewhat diminished

Indicates a reduction or decrease that is not drastic but noticeable.

noticeably inferior

Highlights the lower quality or standard in comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "comparatively low" to describe something that is lower in degree or amount relative to something else. For example, "The crime rate in this town is "comparatively low" compared to the national average".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "comparatively low"?

You can use alternatives like "relatively meager", "proportionately less", or "somewhat diminished" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "relatively low" or "comparatively low"?

Both "relatively low" and "comparatively low" are correct and often interchangeable. "Comparatively low" emphasizes a direct comparison, while "relatively low" focuses on the degree in relation to a general standard. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does "comparatively low" imply about the thing being described?

It implies that the thing being described is at a lower level or degree than what is typically expected or observed in similar situations. It suggests a distinction from a norm or a benchmark.