is relatively unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is not widely recognized or familiar to the general public. Example: "Despite its rich history, the small town is relatively unknown to tourists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So far Mr Passera is relatively unknown.

The Economist

Within Cuba, Ms Sánchez is relatively unknown.

The Economist

"But the disadvantage is that everyone else is relatively unknown.

The New York Times

For the moment, Adamczak is relatively unknown outside Germany.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, the effectiveness of such measures is relatively unknown.

Energy Policy

It is relatively unknown outside Russia and the former Soviet republics.

The New York Times

However, the extent to which LCLs are a faithful model system is relatively unknown.

Stanford University

Mrs. Thomson, whose background is in business and politics, is relatively unknown.

The New York Times

Hirokazu Kore-eda is relatively unknown among mainstream audiences but a heavyweight in independent cinema.

The Guardian - Film

The game, he said, is relatively unknown and dates to the '90s.

The New York Times

But Mr Arman is relatively unknown and has yet to prove himself as a political campaigner.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is relatively unknown" to introduce a topic or person that requires additional context or explanation for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is relatively unknown" when describing something that is genuinely well-known; instead, use qualifiers like "less known in some circles" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively unknown" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or noun phrase by indicating that it lacks widespread recognition or familiarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is relatively unknown" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective, indicating a lack of widespread recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately and avoid overstating the degree of obscurity. Alternatives include "is not widely recognized" or "is fairly obscure", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not widely recognized

Focuses on the lack of broad recognition rather than the degree of being unknown.

is not generally known

Highlights the lack of general knowledge about something.

is fairly obscure

Emphasizes the degree of obscurity or ambiguity.

is comparatively unfamiliar

Uses "comparatively" to indicate a relative lack of familiarity.

remains largely unrecognized

Highlights that something deserves recognition but hasn't received it.

is little publicized

Focuses on the lack of publicity or promotion.

hasn't gained much traction

Implies a lack of progress or acceptance.

is cloaked in obscurity

Metaphorically suggests that something is hidden or difficult to understand.

is shrouded in mystery

Implies secrecy or a lack of clear information.

is off the beaten path

Suggests something is unconventional or not easily accessible.

FAQs

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

You can use "is relatively unknown" to introduce a topic or person that might not be familiar to everyone. For example, "The author's early work "is relatively unknown", but it is highly influential".

What are some alternatives to "is relatively unknown"?

Alternatives include "is not widely recognized", "is fairly obscure", or "is comparatively unfamiliar", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is relatively unknown by"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common and natural to say "is relatively unknown to" when specifying who is unfamiliar with the subject.

What's the difference between "is relatively unknown" and "is completely unknown"?

"Is relatively unknown" implies some people might be aware of the subject, while "is completely unknown" suggests no one knows about it. The former implies a matter of degree, while the latter implies an absolute state.