is relatively short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively short" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a shorter length or duration compared to other items or standards. Example: "The meeting is relatively short, lasting only 30 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Autumn is relatively short.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But the time scale to do that is relatively short.

The New York Times

The menu is relatively short and well priced.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Triceratops's bony frill is relatively short and thick.

The New York Times - Science

The axial length of the generator is relatively short.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The recorded history of cholera is relatively short and remarkable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bill of the hammerhead is relatively short and slightly hooked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Be warned, however, the single player campaign is relatively short so you will need online access.

Independent

At only 167.5 kilometers, it, too, is relatively short and relatively flat.

The New York Times - Sports

Because this stage is relatively short, some riders will attack early and often.

The New York Times - Sports

While the tail is relatively short, it is longer than that of rabbits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is relatively short", ensure you provide a clear point of comparison. What is it short compared to? Providing context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is relatively short" without indicating what you are comparing it to. For example, instead of saying "The chapter is relatively short", specify "The chapter is relatively short compared to others in the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively short" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It provides a comparative degree of shortness, indicating something is less long than a standard or expectation. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is relatively short" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something as having a shorter length or duration compared to a reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in English writing. It frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, indicating a factual and comparative description. To use it effectively, always provide a clear frame of reference to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "is comparatively brief" or "is reasonably concise" for variety. Remember, the key is context and clarity when employing this comparative phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comparatively brief

This alternative uses "comparatively" instead of "relatively", emphasizing the comparison more directly and "brief" for "short" connoting conciseness.

is reasonably concise

Substituting "relatively" with "reasonably" softens the comparison, and using "concise" highlights brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.

is somewhat limited

This version replaces "short" with "limited", focusing on the restricted extent or scope rather than physical length or duration.

is fairly abbreviated

Using "fairly" instead of "relatively" provides a more casual tone, while "abbreviated" suggests a deliberate reduction in length.

is notably compact

"Notably" emphasizes that the shortness is worth mentioning. "Compact" suggests that something is small within its category.

is markedly reduced

This alternative suggests that there was a length that has been reduced, also emphasizing that the shortening is worth mentioning.

is marginally smaller

Marginally emphasizes that the difference in length is small.

is quite condensed

Replaces the phrase completely, but is still highly similar. "Condensed" suggest the information is compressed and short.

is only cursory

This option indicates that it is of short duration in a way that shows it's quick and not thorough.

is essentially truncated

This option is similar, but emphasizes something ending quickly, in a way that seems abrupt.

FAQs

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

You can use "is relatively short" to describe something that is shorter in length, duration, or scope when compared to something else. For example: "The movie "is relatively short", only 90 minutes long".

What are some alternatives to "is relatively short"?

Alternatives to "is relatively short" include phrases like "is fairly brief", "is somewhat limited", or "is reasonably concise", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is relatively short" or "is very short"?

"Is relatively short" implies a comparison, while "is very short" indicates an absolute measure. Use ""is relatively short"" when you want to emphasize that something is shorter compared to something else. Use "is very short" when you want to state that something has a short length regardless of any reference.

Can "is relatively short" be used for abstract concepts like time or distance?

Yes, "is relatively short" can be used for abstract concepts. For example: "The waiting time "is relatively short"", or "The distance "is relatively short"".