relatively long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'relatively long time' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a period of time that is not extremely long, but is nevertheless much longer than an average or typical length of time. For example, "This project is taking a relatively long time to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In Britain and America, the governing parties have been in power for a relatively long time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The jury in Federal District Court in Manhattan deliberated for 10 days, a relatively long time for federal criminal cases.

The New York Times

That extra layer of approval meant that it took a relatively long time to close the deal, Mr. Stern said.

The New York Times

Slow loris offspring may stay with their mothers for a relatively long time, until the next infant is born.

The New York Times

An investor with a relatively long time horizon can reasonably expect annual returns of 10percentto12percentcent, after fees and any inflation, Ms. Gregor estimated.

The New York Times

"Quite a lot of the ligament has gone so it's going to take a relatively long time to reattach itself," said Baxter.

The Guardian - Sport

And because normal grilling is the most desiccating cooking technique there is, when things spend a relatively long time on the grill, they tend to dry out.

The New York Times - Food

That's a relatively long time to wait for a signal.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It can also be concluded that the TGVP approximations are tighter for relatively long time-windows.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The present results suggest that synapses can be preserved over a relatively long time-course in gradually acquired deafness.

Brain Research

I don't think I could have written this article without being a relatively long-time Facebook user.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively long time", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison, so the reader understands what duration is considered 'long' in that specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively long time" without providing context. If you state something takes a "relatively long time", be sure to specify what it's being compared to. Without context, the statement becomes vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively long time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It specifies the duration of an action or state, indicating that it extends beyond what is typical or expected. The word "relatively" serves to qualify the length, suggesting it's being compared to a specific benchmark.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively long time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a duration exceeding a defined norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When using this phrase, providing context for what is considered 'long' is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "considerable duration" or "extended period" can provide nuanced expressions of the same idea. Remember to avoid vagueness by always giving a comparison point. Its prevalence across authoritative sources ensures it is a reliable and effective way to express duration when compared against something else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fairly long duration

Similar in meaning, but uses "fairly" as a qualifier, softening the emphasis.

Moderately long time

Suggests a length of time that is more than average but not exceptionally long.

Extended period

Focuses on the idea of the time being stretched out or prolonged.

Significant duration

Emphasizes that the time period is important or has consequences.

Substantial length of time

Highlights the amount of time as being significant or noteworthy.

Considerable duration

Emphasizes the length of time as being substantial or worthy of attention.

Prolonged timeframe

Highlights that the time frame has been artificially extended.

Notable time span

Suggests that the time interval is worth mentioning or taking into account.

Appreciable time

Implies that the time involved is enough to make a difference or be felt.

Remarkably long time

Highlights that the time period is impressive or surprising.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively long time" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively long time" to describe a duration that is longer than what is typical or expected in a given situation. For example, "The recovery process took a "relatively long time" compared to other similar cases".

What's a good alternative to "relatively long time"?

Alternatives to "relatively long time" include "considerable duration", "extended period", or "substantial length of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "relatively long time" or "very long time"?

"Relatively long time" implies a comparison to a specific benchmark, while "very long time" simply emphasizes the duration itself. Use "relatively long time" when you want to draw attention to a comparison, and "very long time" when you want to emphasize the length of the duration itself.

What does "relatively" mean in "relatively long time"?

In the phrase "relatively long time", "relatively" indicates that the length of time is being considered in relation to something else. It suggests that the duration is long in comparison to a specific standard, expectation, or other reference point. It's useful to provide what the comparison is when possible.