Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it appears relatively
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it appears relatively" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a statement that suggests something seems to be true to a certain degree or in comparison to something else. Example: "Based on the data collected, it appears relatively clear that the new strategy has improved our sales performance."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
In its annual survey of the euro area it appears relatively content if rates are held at 2%.
News & Media
Now, I'd guess that many people would be tempted by £150,000 to do something which, on the face of it, appears relatively harmless.
News & Media
The proposed procedure of determining strategic directions is a simplification; however, it appears relatively sophisticated compared to current literature, in which vertical relationships are mostly not taken into account.
Science
In San Francisco, it appears relatively limited; a study from the regional think tank SPUR using 2012 data found that only 2.4percentt of housing units were left vacant by non-resident owners for seasonal use.
News & Media
It appears relatively early during tree development; fruit bodies were common in 6-year old tree stands, and the fungus colonized the highest proportion of root tips.
Wiki
It appears relatively disconnected from patient, family or community care concepts.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
For them, it appeared relatively easy to break the habit.
News & Media
A worker who claimed he was told to sign the new contract last week or leave, told the Guardian colleagues were "really upset" at the changes and said it appeared relatively low-paid staff were being forced to help bear the cost of the company's potentially increased tax bill.
News & Media
Sure, we make a lot of dick jokes, but our overhead is nothing and the writers in our stable — Peter Suciu, Josh Goldman, Seth Porges, and Mike Kobrin, to name a few — are ex- and current print folks who seem to enjoy sending in copy and seeing it appear, relatively unscathed, on these pages.
News & Media
93 Although this technology is relatively costly, it appears comparatively cost-effective, since frequently a single cryo-session is sufficient, in order to significantly improve the hypertrophic scar or keloid.
Even though the sample size of dermatologists appears relatively small, it may be considered a representative one as it includes input from both public hospital and EOPYY physicians across Greece managing a satisfactory sample of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it appears relatively", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared or measured. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.
Common error
Avoid using "relatively" excessively in your writing, as it can weaken your statements and make your claims seem less confident. Consider stronger, more direct language when possible.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it appears relatively" primarily functions as an introductory clause, softening a statement by indicating a degree of uncertainty or comparison. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
Science
41%
News & Media
41%
Formal & Business
18%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it appears relatively" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for introducing a statement with a degree of approximation. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples from varied sources such as science, news, and formal business writing. While the frequency is uncommon, it's versatile across both formal and informal contexts. It is important to ensure clarity by stating what is being compared when using the phrase. Alternatives include "it seems somewhat" and "it looks comparatively". While generally correct, overuse of "relatively" should be avoided to maintain a strong and direct writing style.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it seems somewhat
Replaces "appears relatively" with "seems somewhat", indicating a slight degree of certainty.
it looks comparatively
Substitutes "appears relatively" with "looks comparatively", emphasizing the comparison aspect.
it is seemingly rather
Uses "seemingly rather" instead of "appears relatively", adding a touch of formality.
it gives the impression of being somewhat
Replaces the phrase with a longer, more descriptive alternative.
it suggests a degree of
Shifts the focus to suggestion rather than direct appearance.
it indicates a certain level of
Emphasizes indication and level instead of appearance and relativity.
it evinces a moderate amount of
Uses more formal vocabulary like "evinces" and "moderate".
it bespeaks a fair quantity of
Employs literary terms such as "bespeaks" to signal approximation.
it has the semblance of being somewhat
Replaces "appears" with "has the semblance of being", adding a layer of indirectness.
it conveys an idea of being somewhat
Focuses on conveying an idea rather than a direct observation.
FAQs
What does "it appears relatively" mean?
The phrase "it appears relatively" suggests that something seems to be true to a certain degree or in comparison to something else. It implies a level of uncertainty or approximation.
How can I use "it appears relatively" in a sentence?
You can use "it appears relatively" to introduce an observation or conclusion that is based on available information but not entirely certain. For example, "Based on the data, "it appears relatively" clear that the new strategy has improved sales performance."
What are some alternatives to "it appears relatively"?
You can use alternatives like "it seems somewhat", "it looks comparatively", or "it is seemingly rather" depending on the context.
Is "it appears relatively" formal or informal?
The phrase "it appears relatively" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested