relatively close

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively close" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the proximity of two things in comparison to each other. For example, "The two cities are relatively close, and it only takes about two hours to get there by car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But historically, it's relatively close.

The New York Times

Two comets when they were relatively close to the Earth.

Harvard University

And the fourth could be too, if it's relatively close".

The New York Times

Pros Roxbury is relatively close to New York City.

The New York Times

"It is relatively close to New York," he said.

The New York Times

The relatively close right-field fence worried pitchers, with justification.

The New York Times

A relatively close election poses a new test.

The Washington Post

Relatively close by, the long blue strips look like runways.

The Guardian

Someone suggested Aqua Grill, which is relatively close.

The New York Times

The pirates used to stick relatively close to Somalia's shores.

The New York Times

The Mn values were relatively close to the theoretical ones.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively close", ensure you provide a clear point of reference for the comparison. For instance, "The town is relatively close to the capital" clarifies the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively close" without context. Saying "It's relatively close" without specifying what it's close to can leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively close" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which something is near or proximate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively close" functions as an adverbial modifier to describe proximity in a comparative sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, notably in news media, academic writing, and scientific literature. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various audiences. To ensure clarity, always provide a reference point for the comparison. Common errors include omitting this reference, leading to ambiguity. Alternatives such as "comparatively near" or "reasonably near" can be used to add nuance. "Relatively close" serves to provide a nuanced assessment of proximity without implying absolute nearness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively near

Emphasizes the comparison more explicitly than "relatively close".

reasonably near

Indicates a degree of proximity that is acceptable or adequate for a particular purpose.

fairly proximate

A more formal alternative, stressing the condition of being near in space or time.

somewhat adjacent

Highlights the idea of being next to or adjoining something, implying a physical connection.

kind of neighboring

Suggests a relationship similar to that of neighbors, implying closeness and perhaps interaction.

in the vicinity

Indicates being in the general area or surrounding region.

within reach

Implies that something is close enough to be accessed or obtained.

not far off

Suggests that something is close in terms of distance or time, but also implies a degree of approximation.

a stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is very close by.

approaching closeness

Focuses on the dynamic process of getting closer rather than the state of being close.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively close" in a sentence?

Use "relatively close" to indicate that something is near in comparison to something else. For example, "The restaurant is "relatively close" to the hotel, about a 10-minute walk".

What are some alternatives to "relatively close"?

Alternatives include "comparatively near", "reasonably near", or "fairly proximate", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "relatively close" or "very close"?

"Relatively close" implies a comparison, while "very close" indicates a high degree of proximity without a direct comparison. Choose based on whether you're emphasizing a comparison or simply stating nearness.

What does "relatively close" mean in scientific contexts?

In science, "relatively close" can refer to proximity in terms of distance, time, or evolutionary relationships. For instance, two species might be described as having a "relatively close" evolutionary relationship.