is relatively off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is somewhat inaccurate or not quite right, but not completely wrong. Example: "The estimate for the project timeline is relatively off, as we expected to finish sooner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet now, when the pressure is (relatively) off in the early stages of this set, the serves are whistling in again.

The Guardian - Sport

In this regard, GC is relatively off putting because it has a much lower sensitivity towards underivatized morphine.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In complete contrast to Istanbul's bustle and denseness, the nine islands jutting out from the Sea of Marmara are home to lush forests, bicycle paths and secluded coves, and despite being relatively off the tourist radar are popular with day-tripping locals in the summer.

The Guardian - Travel

While all the income values in Table 2 are categorized as 'poor' by any conventional threshold, it is still evident that the left out group is relatively worse off in terms of mean income and the combining group is relatively better off by this measure.

Pastoralism

While the lawyers maneuver, Mr. Polanski is relatively "cut off from the world," Mr. Kiejman said, adding that his client was limited to three telephone calls a day.

The New York Times

Even the reviled IMF can explain its hard line: given the bitter programmes it has imposed on countries from the global south, it can hardly now be lenient towards a European country that is, relatively, better off.

The Guardian - Opinion

The continental shelf is relatively narrow off Southeast Alaska, broadens around Kodiak Island, and then narrows toward the Aleutians.

Plosone

In particular, because the continental shelf is relatively wide off the Dampier Archipelago (Fig. 1), exposure of these reefs to oceanic currents is likely to be limited or absent.

Evolutionary Applications

The pastoral Fulani community is relatively well-off, compared to similar populations across West Africa.

Pastoralism

We have a good idea about what to expect from the metropolitan, university-educated Labour supporter who is relatively well- off or with good prospects of becoming so.

The Guardian - Opinion

The area is relatively desolate, cut off culturally from the rest of New Jersey.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is relatively off" to subtly indicate that an estimate or calculation isn't precise without being overly critical. It is useful when you want to acknowledge an error but downplay its significance.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many adverbs and qualifiers together. While "is relatively off" is acceptable, adding more qualifiers can make your writing sound hesitant and unclear. For example, avoid phrases like "is very relatively slightly off."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively off" functions as a qualifier, indicating a degree of deviation from an expected or correct value. It is used to soften a statement about something being incorrect, suggesting the inaccuracy is not substantial. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is relatively off" serves as a qualifier to indicate a moderate level of inaccuracy. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples show that while grammatically correct, it is not a very common phrase. Its primary function is to soften statements about errors or deviations, making it suitable for neutral communication across various contexts, primarily in news and scientific writing. Consider alternative phrases like "is somewhat inaccurate" or "is slightly incorrect" for greater clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat inaccurate

Indicates a degree of inaccuracy, similar to "is relatively off" but uses more common vocabulary.

is slightly incorrect

Emphasizes the minor degree of error, akin to "is relatively off" in conveying a small deviation.

is a bit off

More informal way to say something is not quite right. It's shorter and more colloquial.

is marginally inaccurate

Replaces 'somewhat' with 'marginally' to emphasize how small the inaccuracy is, formal register.

is just a little off

Uses "just a little" to soften the statement; makes it less direct.

is reasonably deviant

Implies that something is deviating from an expected value in a way that is moderate.

is not entirely precise

Emphasizes a lack of precision instead of a more generic wrongness.

is comparatively wrong

Highlights a wrongness established by comparison to something else.

is slightly askew

Presents a situation that is not lined up correctly, either figuratively or literally.

is approximately incorrect

Implies an estimated assessment instead of an exact error.

FAQs

What does "is relatively off" mean?

The phrase "is relatively off" means that something is somewhat inaccurate or not entirely correct, but not drastically wrong. It implies a moderate deviation from an expected value or standard.

How can I use "is relatively off" in a sentence?

You can use "is relatively off" to indicate that an estimation or measurement isn't perfectly accurate. For example: "The initial estimate for the project's completion date "is relatively off", but we are working to refine it."

What are some alternatives to "is relatively off"?

Alternatives include "is somewhat inaccurate", "is slightly incorrect", or "is a bit off", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is relatively off"?

It is appropriate to use "is relatively off" when you want to acknowledge a degree of error or imprecision without being overly critical or alarmist. It's best suited for situations where the deviation is not significant or does not have major consequences.