comparatively minor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively minor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is relatively small or insignificant in comparison to something else. Example: "The changes made to the project were comparatively minor, but they still improved the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The housekeeping was comparatively minor.

The New York Times - Tech

It still has a comparatively minor role.

Independent

But that is a comparatively minor matter.

The Guardian

The error is comparatively minor given Facebook's scale.

The Guardian - Tech

My essay interpreted an intriguing but comparatively minor photographic phenomenon.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in the general election this effect was comparatively minor.

The New York Times

Even in comparatively minor roles, Shepard always found a way to excel.

The New York Times

But these are comparatively minor shifts; the slide toward authoritarianism remains.

The Washington Post

It was the daily hammering of the comparatively minor things that were wrong with Hillary Clinton.

The Guardian

Actually, using synthetic corks in wines to be aged is a comparatively minor issue.

The New York Times - Food

By the traditional standards of sexual morality, they have been comparatively minor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparatively minor", ensure you've established a clear point of comparison to provide context for the assessment of minor significance. Make sure that the comparison is clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively minor" when the context already implies insignificance. This can create redundancy and weaken your writing. Be concise in your comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively minor" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is of lesser significance when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comparatively minor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates something is of lesser importance relative to something else. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. Common synonyms include "relatively insignificant" and "fairly small". A key writing tip is to ensure a clear comparison is established when using this phrase to provide adequate context. Given its consistent usage and clear meaning, "comparatively minor" remains a useful tool for expressing relative importance in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively insignificant

Focuses on the lack of significance rather than the comparison.

comparatively smaller

Direct comparison emphasizing reduced size. Is more literal compared to the other options.

somewhat trivial

Emphasizes the unimportance or lack of seriousness.

fairly small

Highlights the reduced size or extent.

moderately unimportant

Directly states the lack of importance in a more formal tone.

slightly inconsequential

Stresses the lack of consequence or effect.

marginally less

Implies a slight difference in quantity or degree.

somewhat reduced

Highlights the aspect of being made smaller or less.

relatively modest

Indicates a restrained or limited amount.

reasonably slight

Emphasizes the gentle or subtle nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "comparatively minor" to describe something that is relatively small or insignificant when compared to something else. For example, "The side effects of the new medication were "comparatively minor" compared to the benefits it provided."

What are some alternatives to "comparatively minor"?

Alternatives include "relatively insignificant", "somewhat trivial", or "fairly small", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "relatively minor" instead of "comparatively minor"?

Yes, "relatively minor" is a correct and often interchangeable alternative to "comparatively minor". Both phrases indicate that something is small or unimportant in relation to something else.

What's the difference between "comparatively minor" and "insignificant"?

"Comparatively minor" implies a direct comparison, while "insignificant" simply means lacking importance. "Comparatively minor" requires a point of reference, whereas "insignificant" does not.