relatively normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is normal to a certain extent, often in comparison to other situations or conditions. Example: "After the initial chaos of the event, things returned to a relatively normal state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In relatively normal amounts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So far, so relatively normal.

The Guardian - Music

We have relatively normal operations.

The New York Times

I've got a relatively normal life.

The Guardian - Sport

I can live a relatively normal life.

The Guardian - Opinion

I live a relatively normal life.

The Guardian

Mr. Neumann said his childhood in America was relatively normal.

The New York Times

He adds: "I like to keep a relatively normal life.

The Guardian

But many went on to have relatively normal lives.

The New Yorker

That sale came off in a relatively normal way.

The New York Times

So how did Sheeran, a relatively normal bloke, making relatively normal music, manage to become Britain's biggest-selling artist?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "relatively normal" with specific nouns to provide context. For example, "relatively normal life", "relatively normal operations", "relatively normal behavior".

Common error

Avoid using "relatively normal" when describing situations that are clearly abnormal or extreme. This can create a sense of understatement that misrepresents the true nature of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively normal" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, adding a degree of approximation to the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively normal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates something is close to the expected norm but not entirely so. As per Ludwig, its communicative purpose is to convey a sense of near-normalcy while acknowledging some degree of deviation. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Academia sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts. Remember to use "relatively normal" when describing situations that are mostly normal but with slight variations, and avoid overstating normality in extreme scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly typical

Emphasizes commonness and conformity to a standard expectation.

reasonably ordinary

Highlights the lack of exceptional qualities or features.

comparatively standard

Focuses on the extent to which something aligns with established norms.

moderately average

Indicates a position near the statistical mean, with no significant deviations.

somewhat conventional

Stresses adherence to traditional practices and beliefs.

largely unremarkable

Suggests something does not stand out or attract attention.

generally unexceptional

Points out the absence of extraordinary or noteworthy characteristics.

kind of typical

Emphasizes commonness and conformity to a standard expectation in a less formal way.

pretty standard

Focuses on the extent to which something aligns with established norms, in a less formal way.

quite average

Indicates a position near the statistical mean, with no significant deviations, in a less formal way.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively normal" to describe something that is close to being normal but not completely so. For example, "After the storm, things returned to a "relatively normal" state".

What are some alternatives to saying "relatively normal"?

Alternatives include "fairly typical", "somewhat standard", or "reasonably ordinary" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "relatively normal"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Avoid using "relatively normal" in situations that are clearly abnormal or extreme. It's best suited for describing situations that are mostly normal but with some deviations.

What's the difference between "relatively normal" and "completely normal"?

"Relatively normal" suggests a situation is close to the norm but not perfectly so, allowing for some variation. "Completely normal" implies that the situation is exactly as expected with no deviations.