relatively minor

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively minor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not very important compared to something else, for example: "I made a few mistakes, but they were relatively minor and easy to fix."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Minor indicates that this issue has a relatively minor impact.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

seem relatively minor.

The New Yorker

Those infractions were relatively minor.

The Economist

My losses seem relatively minor.

The New York Times

And the penalties are relatively minor.

The New York Times

Anyway these criticisms are relatively minor.

The New York Times

At first the duplicity was relatively minor.

The New York Times - Books

But that delay is relatively minor.

The New York Times

Thankfully it's a relatively minor injury.

Independent

"All the others are relatively minor".

The Economist

Yet Crane is a relatively minor character.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively minor" to downplay the significance of an issue, especially when comparing it to other, more important factors. This helps to maintain perspective and avoid overreacting to trivial matters.

Common error

While "relatively minor" is useful, avoid using it excessively, as this can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Vary your language by using synonyms like "somewhat trivial" or "fairly small" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival Modifier: "Relatively minor" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying nouns by indicating a lower degree of significance or impact. This is evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis, which confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, as exemplified by the provided sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively minor" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something of lesser importance when compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, typically to downplay the significance of an issue or event. When writing, it’s important to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse and considering synonyms like "comparatively insignificant" or "somewhat trivial" to maintain clarity and engagement. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively incorporate "relatively minor" into your writing to provide context and perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of significance in comparison to something else.

somewhat trivial

Highlights the lack of importance or seriousness.

moderately unimportant

Directly states the lack of importance.

fairly small

Focuses on the reduced size or extent of something.

reasonably slight

Implies a small degree or amount.

relatively marginal

Suggests being on the periphery or edge of importance.

somewhat inconsequential

Highlights the lack of consequence or impact.

quite modest

Emphasizes the unassuming or limited nature.

mildly unimportant

Highlights in a mild manner the lack of importance.

slightly less important

Directly compares the level of importance to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively minor" to describe something that is not very important or significant compared to something else. For example, "The damages to the car were "relatively minor", so we decided not to file an insurance claim".

What are some alternatives to "relatively minor"?

Some alternatives to "relatively minor" include "comparatively insignificant", "somewhat trivial", or "fairly small", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "relatively minor" in formal writing?

Yes, "relatively minor" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral phrase that is commonly used in academic, business, and news contexts.

What is the difference between "relatively minor" and "insignificant"?

"Relatively minor" implies a comparison to something else, suggesting that something is less important in relation to another factor. "Insignificant", on the other hand, suggests that something is unimportant in itself, without necessarily making a comparison.