relatively few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that there is a small number or amount of something in comparison to a larger whole or group. For example, "Although there are many talented artists in the city, relatively few of them will become famous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they were relatively few.

The Economist

Germany has relatively few lakes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, relatively few were.

The Economist

Relatively few concerned terrorism.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, Kronos has spawned relatively few imitators.

The New York Times

Relatively few go into the field.

The Economist

(Relatively few husbands became family cooks, sadly).

The New York Times

But there have been relatively few prosecutions.

The Economist

Initially, such letters were relatively few.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Getting around There are relatively few roads.

Independent

There are relatively few of these.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively few", ensure the comparison point is clear. What is the 'few' being compared to? Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively few" without establishing a clear reference point. Without context, the reader may misinterpret the intended quantity or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively few" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a small quantity in relation to an implied or stated standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively few" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate a small quantity in comparison to an implied or stated standard. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and common in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, including news reporting, academic writing, and general communication. To maximize clarity, always ensure the point of comparison is apparent to your audience. While alternatives such as "not many" and "a small proportion" exist, "relatively few" provides a specific nuance of comparison that can be valuable in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not many

A more informal and direct way of expressing a small quantity.

a small proportion

Highlights the fraction or percentage that the quantity represents in relation to the whole.

a limited number

Emphasizes the restriction in quantity, focusing on the upper boundary.

a minority

Focuses on the small group or subset within a larger population.

limited in number

Directly states the restriction on the quantity.

a handful

Implies a very small, almost countable, quantity.

modest quantity

Indicates a small and moderate amount, suggesting it's not excessive.

few and far between

Emphasizes both the scarcity and the infrequent occurrence of something.

an insignificant amount

Underlines the lack of importance due to the small quantity.

scarce

Highlights the deficiency of something, suggesting it is difficult to find or obtain.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively few" to indicate that the number or amount of something is small in comparison to what might be expected or to something else. For example, "Relatively few students chose to study Latin this year".

What are some alternatives to "relatively few"?

You can use alternatives such as "not many", "a small proportion", or "a limited number" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "relatively few" in formal writing?

Yes, "relatively few" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly formal, it is a clear and concise way to express a limited quantity. However, consider more precise language if specific numbers are relevant.

What's the difference between "relatively few" and "few"?

"Few" implies a small number in an absolute sense, while "relatively few" implies a small number in comparison to something else. The former is a statement of fact, and the latter requires a point of comparison.