relatively imprecise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively imprecise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that lacks precision or clarity in a comparative sense, indicating that it is imprecise compared to something else. Example: "The results of the survey were relatively imprecise, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carbon 14 has a long half-life, and carbon dating is relatively imprecise for evaluating objects that are several centuries old.

The New Yorker

Until now researchers had been able to gather data on the hunting habits of cheetahs only by studying the animals in captivity, or from direct — though relatively imprecise — observations of their movements in the wild.

The New York Times - Science

A similar result occurs if information is initially relatively imprecise.

Health Economics Review

Since results are relatively imprecise, we also show them without region-fixed effects and region interactions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

However, we instead find a relatively imprecise estimate of a positive wage effect.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Radio signal strength (RSS -based appRSS -basede the most strapproachesrd for estimareng disthece fromost RF straightforward, such methodologies are relatively imprecise due to foring.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Although the automated detection method described above can be used to estimate the depth of tremor events, it uses only S-waves, and, ultimately, these absolute depth determinations are relatively imprecise.

Earth, Planets and Space

Overeducation has been criticised on the grounds that it represents a relatively imprecise measure of human capital mismatch, whereby education proxies individual human capital and job entry requirements proxy the skill requirements of the job.

IZA Journal of Migration

It has been demonstrated that sieving may lead to a significant decrease of the slurry apparent viscosity, which suggests that literature results are relatively imprecise (since literature studies generally consider sieved samples).

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Most GPS is a relatively imprecise tool, honing in on your location to within around a few meters, but new Kickstarter project Piksi aims to provide accuracy within a single centimeter, via a new GPS receiver that uses Real Time Kinetics (RTK) it's trying to fund via Kicksarter.

TechCrunch

The sample size was small and accuracy estimates relatively imprecise.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively imprecise" to signal a degree of uncertainty without being overly critical. It acknowledges limitations in data or methods without dismissing their value entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively imprecise" when the subject is clearly and demonstrably wrong. The phrase implies a degree of usefulness or approximation, which is inappropriate for completely inaccurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively imprecise" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something lacks precision to a certain extent. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase. It's used to qualify the degree of imprecision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively imprecise" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that lacks exactness in comparison to a specific standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, where it's used to acknowledge limitations in data or methodologies without completely dismissing their value. When using "relatively imprecise", clarify the basis of comparison and avoid using it to describe something that is demonstrably wrong. Alternatives like "somewhat inaccurate" or "fairly vague" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. In essence, "relatively imprecise" provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging imperfections while still conveying useful information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely precise

Offers a direct negation of 'precise', emphasizing the absence of complete accuracy.

somewhat inaccurate

Replaces 'imprecise' with 'inaccurate', suggesting a deviation from correctness rather than a lack of precision.

fairly vague

Substitutes 'imprecise' with 'vague', emphasizing a lack of clarity and detail.

moderately inexact

Uses 'inexact' as a synonym for 'imprecise', maintaining a similar level of formality.

comparatively rough

Replaces 'imprecise' with 'rough', suggesting a lack of refinement or exactness.

reasonably approximate

Highlights the 'approximate' nature of the measurement or estimate, indicating it's not exact but within a reasonable range.

slightly indefinite

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition or boundaries.

somewhat unspecific

Focuses on the lack of specificity, suggesting the information is too general.

rather loose

Indicates a less strict or rigorous approach, resulting in a lack of precision.

kind of hazy

Uses a more informal term, 'hazy', to describe a lack of clarity or precision.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively imprecise" to describe something that is not exact but still provides some useful information. For example, "Carbon dating is "relatively imprecise" for objects that are several centuries old."

What are some alternatives to saying "relatively imprecise"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat inaccurate", "fairly vague", or "moderately inexact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "relatively imprecise" or "absolutely imprecise"?

"Relatively imprecise" indicates a comparison to a standard of precision, while "absolutely imprecise" suggests a complete lack of precision. The choice depends on the context and the degree of imprecision you wish to emphasize.

In what contexts is "relatively imprecise" commonly used?

"Relatively imprecise" is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts when discussing measurements, estimates, or models that have inherent limitations. It is also seen in news and media when reporting on data with acknowledged uncertainties.