relatively far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance that is considerable when compared to something else, often in a comparative context. Example: "The nearest gas station is relatively far from here, so we should fill up before we leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Dutch also have relatively far fewer people in jail.

The Economist

The Iraq problem is relatively far away from us.

The Economist

This surplus, in some vintages, extends relatively far up the price and quality scales.

The New York Times - Food

The Dutch also appear to have relatively far fewer people resident in jail.

The Economist

Geochemistry has applications to other subdisciplines within geology, as well as to disciplines relatively far removed from it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They're relatively far from large, proven gas fields," Thierry Desmarest, the chairman and chief executive of the French oil concern TotalFina Elf, said in an interview yesterday.

The New York Times

The company also needs to be cautious about quick shifts in fashion -- a hazard because H&M plans much of its line relatively far ahead.

The New York Times

But that doesn't mean that it's always a good idea to want to, particularly when that longed-for death is relatively far in the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Liam is sitting on the kitchen counter, relatively far away, as the flashback concludes, and seems to be looking towards something other than Stoddart.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And one reason there are so many, and relatively little pressure, yet, to leave, is that the primaries are relatively far off.

The New Yorker

Beloki's crash and Armstrong's escape occurred relatively far behind Vinokourov because he had sped off from the pack on the final small climb.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively far" when you want to emphasize that a distance or separation is significant in comparison to something else. This phrase adds a comparative element to the idea of distance.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively far" when the context doesn't provide a clear reference point for the comparison. Make sure it's evident what the distance is being compared to, to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively far" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the extent or degree of distance. It indicates that something is distant when compared to a specific or implied reference point, as Ludwig suggests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively far" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is distant in comparison to something else. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's usable in written English. It appears frequently in science and news contexts, signifying a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides a clear point of comparison. Alternatives like "comparatively distant" or "somewhat remote" can be used to add variety to your writing. The phrase is well-supported by examples from reputable sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively distant

This alternative uses "distant" instead of "far", emphasizing the separation in a comparative manner.

somewhat remote

Replaces "far" with "remote", suggesting a degree of isolation along with distance.

moderately distant

Uses "distant" and specifies the extent of the distance with "moderately".

reasonably far

Emphasizes that the distance is considerable to a certain degree.

fairly remote

Combines "fairly" to imply a considerable distance with an element of isolation.

noticeably separated

Focuses on the state of being apart rather than the measure of distance.

distinctly apart

Highlights the clear separation between two points.

significantly removed

Indicates a notable degree of displacement or removal.

appreciably distant

Indicates the distance is large enough to be noticed or considered.

measurably separated

Highlights that the distance can be quantified.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively far" to describe a distance that is considerable when compared to something else. For example: "The town is "relatively far" from the coast."

What's a good alternative to "relatively far"?

Alternatives include "comparatively distant", "somewhat remote", or "moderately distant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "relatively far" formal or informal?

"Relatively far" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "significantly removed" or "distinctly apart".

What does "relatively far" imply about the distance?

The phrase implies that the distance is considerable in relation to something else, making it more than just a simple statement of distance. The "relatively" adds a comparative dimension.