relatively frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively frequent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe something that happens more often than not, but not all the time. For example, "Rain is relatively frequent in the Pacific Northwest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We still have relatively frequent contact with our youngest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures are a relatively frequent postoperative complication.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Frost is relatively frequent, and drought is common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Relatively frequent, intense storms increase soil moisture and lead to ephemeral runoff.

Journal of Hydrology

Exposures to sharps injuries occurring in the community are relatively frequent.

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases

Obstructive uropathies caused by congenital malformations of the urinary tract are relatively frequent in newborn.

Archives de Pédiatrie

Background: Co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV seems to be relatively frequent.

Journal of Clinical Virology

If it does not (a relatively frequent occurrence), representatives find out why and follow up with "make good" rescheduling.

The New York Times

Abstract Amplification of the neu (or c-erbB-2 or HER) oncogene is relatively frequent in human breast carcinomas.

Stanford University

The presence of haemorrhage after prostate biopsy is relatively frequent.

Insights into Imaging

Anastomotic strictures are also relatively frequent following GI tract surgery.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively frequent", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what the frequency is being compared to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively frequent" when the event is actually very rare or extremely common. Ensure the frequency is indeed moderate and notable, to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively frequent" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the degree of occurrence or incidence. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively frequent" is a grammatically correct and versatile adjective phrase that indicates a noticeable yet not overwhelmingly common occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse contexts, primarily in scientific and news domains. While alternatives like "fairly common" or "quite common" exist, the key is to ensure the frequency aligns with the context, avoiding overstatements. Remember that while generally appropriate, its specific connotation should match the intended level of regularity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly common

Indicates a moderate degree of commonness, subtly differing from "relatively frequent" by implying a slightly higher prevalence.

reasonably common

Suggests that something is common to a degree that is acceptable or expected, differing slightly in tone from "relatively frequent".

quite common

Emphasizes the commonness, presenting it as somewhat notable, whereas "relatively frequent" is more neutral.

somewhat frequent

Indicates a degree of frequency that is less than 'very' or 'quite' frequent, implying a more tempered occurrence compared to "relatively frequent".

moderately frequent

Denotes a frequency that is neither high nor low, offering a balanced perspective different from the more general "relatively frequent".

often enough

Implies that something happens with sufficient frequency to meet a certain need or expectation, a nuance not present in "relatively frequent".

with some frequency

Highlights that occurrences happen at noticeable intervals, which is a more descriptive take compared to "relatively frequent".

not uncommon

A double negative implying a level of frequency that is worth noting, contrasting with the directness of "relatively frequent".

occurs periodically

Focuses on the cyclical nature of the occurrences, providing a time-related context not necessarily implied by "relatively frequent".

repeatedly happens

Stresses the repetitive nature of the event, distinguishing it from "relatively frequent" which simply notes how often it occurs.

FAQs

What does "relatively frequent" mean?

The term "relatively frequent" means that something occurs often enough to be noticeable, but not so often that it's considered constant or very common. It implies a moderate degree of occurrence.

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

You might say, "Complications are "not uncommon" after surgery, but severe complications are "relatively frequent" in elderly patients."

What are some alternatives to "relatively frequent"?

Alternatives include "fairly common", "reasonably common", or "quite common", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "relatively frequent" or "frequent"?

The choice depends on the context. "Frequent" implies a high rate of occurrence. "Relatively frequent" suggests a rate that is notable compared to something else, but not necessarily high in an absolute sense.