relatively limited

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively limited" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not completely limited, but still not plentiful either. For example, "The food selection at the cafeteria was relatively limited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet change proved relatively limited.

The Guardian

The way catsharks demonstrate their sociability is relatively limited.

Independent

We wanted to start with a relatively limited list.

The New York Times

I'd studied Yiddish, but my vocabulary was still relatively limited.

The New Yorker

At first, the city's evacuation plans were relatively limited.

The New York Times

So far as I can tell, though, his progress thus far has been relatively limited.

The New Yorker

"BYOD is relatively limited at the moment but it is something that we think will increase.

The Guardian

Although JPMorgan Chase traded in derivatives, he kept the bank's exposure relatively limited.

The New York Times

Relatively limited at this stage.

BBC

Therefore, their applications are relatively limited.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Drug treatment options are relatively limited.

Physiotherapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively limited" to convey a nuanced sense of restriction, implying that something is not entirely limited but also not abundant. This avoids absolutes and provides a more accurate description.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively limited" when describing situations of extreme scarcity or complete absence. Instead, opt for stronger terms like "scarce" or "nonexistent" to accurately reflect the true extent of the limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively limited" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating the extent to which something is restricted or constrained. As Ludwig indicates, its use is grammatically correct and found across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively limited" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that signifies a qualified sense of restriction or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence in various sources. It functions to provide a nuanced description, avoiding overly absolute statements. While suitable for both neutral and formal registers, it's crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring the degree of limitation aligns with the context. Consider alternatives like "somewhat restricted" or "moderately constrained" to fine-tune your expression. Steer clear of overstating the limitation, and always aim for accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat restricted

Emphasizes the aspect of restriction rather than the extent.

moderately constrained

Focuses on the constraint aspect and implies a tangible restriction.

fairly restricted

Uses a different adverb to convey a similar degree of limitation.

quite limited

Replaces "relatively" with "quite" to express a similar level of restriction.

somewhat narrow

Suggests a restriction in scope or range, rather than quantity.

partially curtailed

Focuses on the action of reducing or limiting something.

reasonably finite

Highlights that the resource/item is not infinite, but not severely small either.

moderately scarce

Highlights the deficiency of resources.

comparatively minimal

Stresses the small quantity in comparison to something else.

tangentially restricted

Highlights that the restriction impacts the subject in an indirect way.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively limited" to describe something that is restricted to some extent, but not entirely. For instance, "The budget for the project was "relatively limited", so we had to be creative with our resources."

What are some alternatives to "relatively limited"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "somewhat restricted", "moderately constrained", or "fairly restricted" as alternatives to "relatively limited".

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

The choice depends on the context. "Relatively limited" suggests a partial restriction, while "absolutely limited" implies a complete or total restriction. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of limitation.

What is the difference between "relatively limited" and "somewhat limited"?

"Relatively limited" and "somewhat limited" are quite similar in meaning. The difference is subtle, with "relatively" perhaps suggesting a comparison to something else, while "somewhat" simply indicates a degree of limitation.