relatively less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or qualities, indicating that one is lesser in relation to another. Example: "The cost of living in this city is relatively less than in the neighboring town."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Economist has frequently said that America may suffer relatively less than others from a generational conflict over resources, particularly if it can adopt liberal immigration reform.

The Economist

I don't know what the price elasticity of fuel demand is, exactly, but there are good reasons — such as work-commute distances that are fixed in the short run — for thinking that it may be less than one, which would mean that the amount of driving would increase relatively less than the increase in fuel efficiency.

The New Yorker

As a result, players earn relatively less than their European counterparts (on average about 57% of the clubs' revenues), and clubs or franchises are a lot more profitable.Caps on bankers' pay, if they could be rigorously enforced, would probably have the effect of redistributing income from banks' employees to their shareholders.

The Economist

The energy of 4f electrons of lanthanides is relatively less than that of outer valence electrons.

Electrochimica Acta

However, the number of effective targeted drugs for GC treatment is relatively less than that in other cancers.

Protein & Cell

It is expected that the transaction costs involved in selling larger outputs from larger yields in markets are relatively less than smaller outputs.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's not clear why the United States came out of this financial crisis relatively less scathed than history might predict.

The New York Times

I didn't account for seat interferences, assuming them to be relatively less important than aisle interferences".

Independent

On China, he said, Mr. Bush "has been relatively less visible than President Clinton might have been in the same instance.

The New York Times

Blindfolded subjects were relatively less accurate than sighted subjects.

Applied Acoustics

The uppermost mantle is relatively less conductive than the crust and upper mantle (Table 1).

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be aware that "relatively less than" suggests a moderate difference, not necessarily a large or dramatic one. Choose stronger words like "significantly" or "substantially" if the difference is pronounced.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "relatively less than" when the difference is, in fact, substantial. If the disparity is large, consider using phrases like "far less than" or "considerably smaller than" for more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively less than" serves as a comparative, indicating that one thing is smaller or lower in degree compared to another. Ludwig confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively less than" is a useful tool for making comparisons, indicating that one item is smaller or lower in degree than another. As Ludwig confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and appears in both scientific and news contexts. Keep in mind its usage implies a moderate difference. Use "relatively less than" to specify moderate distinctions, and remember that it functions as a valuable comparative in diverse scenarios. By understanding its subtleties, writers can ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively smaller than

Emphasizes the comparative aspect using 'comparatively' instead of 'relatively'.

significantly lower than

Highlights a notable difference, implying a more substantial reduction.

markedly reduced from

Focuses on the reduction aspect, suggesting a clear and noticeable decrease.

appreciably less than

Indicates that the difference is considerable or easily perceived.

proportionately smaller than

Stresses that the difference is related to proportions.

measurably smaller than

Highlights that the difference can be quantified.

noticeably diminished compared to

Emphasizes that the change is easily observed.

somewhat below

Uses a simpler structure to indicate a lower value.

slightly under

Indicates a small difference.

a shade less than

Implies a very minor difference.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively less than" in a sentence?

Use "relatively less than" to compare two items, indicating one is smaller or lower in degree compared to the other. For example: "The cost of the first option is "relatively less than" the second."

What are some alternatives to "relatively less than"?

You can use alternatives like "comparatively smaller than", "significantly lower than", or "markedly reduced from depending on the context".

Is "relatively less than" formal or informal?

"Relatively less than" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in formal writing or speech. In very informal situations, simpler phrasing might be preferred.

How does "relatively less than" compare to "slightly less than"?

"Relatively less than" implies a more noticeable difference than "slightly less than". "Relatively" suggests a moderate degree, whereas "slightly" indicates a minor or small degree of difference.