relatively easy

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively easy" is correct in written English.
You can use it when something is easier than it could be. For example, "The test was relatively easy compared to what I was expecting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's relatively easy.

The New York Times

That looked relatively easy".

The Guardian

Afghanistan was relatively easy.

The New York Times

It was relatively easy.

The Guardian - Money

It's relatively easy to pass".

Independent

Measuring performance is relatively easy.

The New Yorker

That's relatively easy to do".

The New Yorker

From here it's relatively easy.

Independent

Changing this was relatively easy.

The Economist

Pro: Relatively easy to clean.

Princeton University

It's relatively easy to do".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively easy" to indicate that something is easier than expected or compared to other similar tasks. Be specific about what makes it relatively easy in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively easy" when the task is, in fact, quite challenging. It can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively easy" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it describes tasks, processes or concepts, indicating a lower degree of difficulty compared to others of its kind. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively easy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that is easier than expected or compared to other similar tasks. As Ludwig AI points out, it implies a lower degree of difficulty. It's versatile enough for use in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, and serves to set manageable expectations. When writing, be sure to qualify why something is considered "relatively easy" to provide context. While widely accepted, ensure your description accurately reflects the situation, and consider alternatives like "fairly straightforward" or "pretty simple" to match the nuance you want to convey. Overall, "relatively easy" is a useful tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretty simple

A common and straightforward alternative.

comparatively simple

Emphasizes the ease by contrasting it with something else.

fairly straightforward

Highlights the lack of complications or difficulties.

reasonably uncomplicated

Focuses on the absence of complexity.

moderately effortless

Suggests that minimal effort is required.

somewhat manageable

Implies that something can be handled without great difficulty.

quite achievable

Focuses on the attainability of a goal.

kind of easy

More informal way to say it's not too hard.

not too difficult

Directly states the lack of significant difficulty.

passably unchallenging

Emphasizes the lack of challenge, possibly with a hint of understatement.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively easy" to describe a task or activity that is simpler or less demanding than other similar tasks. For example, "The first level of the game was "relatively easy" compared to the rest."

What are some alternatives to "relatively easy"?

Some alternatives to "relatively easy" include "fairly straightforward", "pretty simple", or "comparatively simple" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "relatively easy"?

Using "relatively easy" is appropriate when you want to convey that something is not overly difficult. However, be mindful of your audience and the specific task you're describing to avoid misrepresentation.

What's the difference between "relatively easy" and "very easy"?

"Relatively easy" implies a comparison to other tasks or expectations. Something that is "very easy" is simple and requires little effort in any context, it is an absolute statement.