relatively harmless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively harmless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very dangerous or harmful compared to other things. Example: "While some chemicals can be toxic, this one is considered relatively harmless to humans."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They infected mice with a relatively harmless variety of the Semliki Forest virus (SFV), a relative of chikungunya.

Science Magazine

Thankfully, both incidents were relatively harmless.

The New York Times - Sports

Most male attention has been relatively harmless so far.

The Guardian - Travel

AGES 9 AND UP -- There are some hazardous materials, but the movie is relatively harmless.

The New York Times

Those incidents were relatively harmless, Dr. Bernstein said, and no one was caught.

The New York Times

They added that he was a constant, and relatively harmless, presence in the neighborhood.

The New York Times

It's a positive activity, and it's high energy and it's relatively harmless.

The New York Times - Arts

One of those categories was "alternative lifestyles," which, on its face, looked relatively harmless.

The New York Times - Tech

UNDER AGE 10 The movie is both relatively harmless and basically inappropriate for small children.

The New York Times

Many have been revealed to be the relatively harmless trolling the internet was made for.

The Guardian - Music

Her experience was "relatively harmless," she wrote — she was coerced, but not forced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing potential risks, use "relatively harmless" to indicate that the risk is low compared to other possibilities. This helps provide context and avoid exaggerating the danger.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively harmless" when there is still a significant risk involved. Be sure to qualify the statement appropriately and provide context to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively harmless" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something presents a low level of danger or risk in comparison to other things. Ludwig examples show it's used in contexts where a contrast in potential harm is relevant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively harmless" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that poses a low risk compared to other options. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register. When writing, use this phrase to provide context about potential dangers and avoid exaggerating risks. Alternatives include "comparatively benign" and "moderately innocuous". It's crucial to remember that "relatively harmless" doesn't mean zero risk, but rather a lower degree of danger than something else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively benign

Focuses on the gentle or mild nature of something in comparison to something else.

moderately innocuous

Highlights that something is not likely to offend or harm, but with a degree of qualification.

somewhat safe

Emphasizes the aspect of safety, indicating a reduced level of risk.

fairly inoffensive

Stresses the lack of potential to cause offense or upset.

largely unthreatening

Underscores the absence of a significant threat.

mostly non-toxic

Specifically refers to the absence of harmful toxins, often in a scientific context.

generally safe

Implies a broad condition of safety, applicable in most situations.

reasonably mild

Focuses on the gentle or subdued nature of an effect or impact.

not particularly dangerous

Directly addresses the lack of significant danger.

slightly tame

Indicates a reduced level of wildness or uncontrollability, making something less risky.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively harmless" to describe something that poses a lower risk compared to other similar things. For example, "The new strain of the virus is "relatively harmless" compared to previous variants."

What are some alternatives to saying "relatively harmless"?

Alternatives include "comparatively benign", "moderately innocuous", or "somewhat safe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to describe something as "relatively harmless" if it still poses some risk?

Yes, "relatively harmless" implies that the risk is lower compared to other options or situations, but it does not necessarily mean there is no risk at all. Always provide context to avoid misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "relatively harmless" and "completely harmless"?

"Completely harmless" means there is absolutely no risk or danger, while ""relatively harmless"" indicates a lower degree of risk compared to something else. The distinction is crucial for accurate risk assessment.