in relative terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in relative terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show that things should be compared to something else, usually something of a similar kind or on the same scale. For example, you could say "Although profits were down this quarter, in relative terms they are still very good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poverty was measured mainly in relative terms.

The Economist

The second judges fairness in relative terms.

The Guardian

Conventional, though, only in relative terms.

The Guardian - Books

Yet in relative terms change is happening at warp speed.

The Guardian - Sport

The Island is doing even better in relative terms.

The New York Times

The increased risks, while double in relative terms, are small.

The New York Times

But the numbers are small in relative terms.

The Guardian

And the decline is much more striking in relative terms.

The Washington Post

In relative terms, comps are being left ever further behind.

The Guardian

But in relative terms, its economy is still awe inspiring.

The New York Times

In short, you are, in relative terms, rich.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in relative terms" to provide context and avoid misinterpretations. Make sure to clearly define what you're comparing something to.

Common error

Avoid using "in relative terms" without a clear point of comparison. It's crucial to specify what you are relating the term to; otherwise, the statement becomes vague and lacks meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in relative terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement by introducing a perspective of comparison. It indicates that the subject is being evaluated not in isolation, but in relation to a specific benchmark or context. The Ludwig examples confirm its use in various comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Wiki

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in relative terms" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide context through comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including news, academia, and business. To ensure clarity, always specify the reference point of your comparison. Alternatives like "in comparative terms" and "relatively speaking" offer similar meanings. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey nuanced perspectives and avoid ambiguity. The high frequency and source quality highlight its importance in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparative terms

Changes the adjective to 'comparative', focusing on the act of comparing.

in proportional terms

Uses 'proportional' to emphasize the ratio or fraction involved.

in proportionate terms

Synonymous with "in proportional terms", emphasizing a balanced relationship.

in corresponding terms

Highlights a direct relationship or correspondence between the items being compared.

in related terms

Uses the word 'related' to point out the connection between the aspects being discussed.

relatively speaking

Indicates the statement is true when considering the context.

on a relative scale

Focuses on the use of a specific scale for comparison.

by comparison

A more concise way to indicate a comparison is being made.

when compared to

Directly states the act of comparing one thing to another.

considering the circumstances

Broader in scope, considering all relevant factors, not just direct comparisons.

FAQs

How can I use "in relative terms" in a sentence?

Use "in relative terms" to compare something to a specific standard or point of reference. For example, "In relative terms, the cost of living here is low compared to New York City".

What's the difference between "in absolute terms" and "in relative terms"?

"In absolute terms" refers to a value that is fixed and not dependent on anything else, while "in relative terms" means you're comparing a value to something else.

What can I say instead of "in relative terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in comparative terms", "relatively speaking", or "when compared to" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what I am comparing to when using "in relative terms"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison enhances clarity. Omitting it can lead to ambiguity, so it's best practice to provide a clear reference point for the comparison.