relatively often

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively often" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that happens frequently, but not as frequently as something that happens "very often." Example: "I go to the gym relatively often, about three times a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Informal caregivers relatively often report they need advice about what to do when their relative with dementia is frightened, angry or confused (28.8%; see Table 3).

BMC Nursing

We already noticed that informal caregivers relatively often need additional professional advice about what to do when their relative with dementia is frightened, angry or confused.

BMC Nursing

Supermoons occur relatively often, every 13 months and 18 days, but are not always noticed because of clouds or poor weather.

The Guardian

Because NBC intends to repeat the movies relatively often, the network will be satisfied, at least for now, with the 10 minimovies it has ordered.

The New York Times

Trans-generational epigenetic inheritance – that is, environmentally-induced changes passed down from one generation to the next - is seen relatively often in plants.

The Guardian

The effect is most pronounced, according to some studies, in Texas and other states that execute condemned inmates relatively often and relatively quickly.

The New York Times

SRPs visiting the ED are relatively often young men with musculoskeletal complaints.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

During the months around the June solstice (DOYs 150 240), EPBs are seen relatively often.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

No, but legal discovery discussions are putting those two executives in the same room relatively often.

Forbes

Others, like ground squirrels and tree shrews, do so relatively often.

Science Magazine

The Forbush decreases usually occur together with geomagnetic storms and relatively often together with solar proton events (SPEs).

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively often", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is considered 'relatively' frequent. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively often" when describing events that are genuinely rare. Overusing it can dilute its meaning and make your writing less precise.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "relatively often" functions as an adverb of frequency, modifying verbs to indicate how frequently an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express that something happens with some regularity, though not as frequently as "very often".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively often" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs with noticeable frequency, although not at the highest possible rate. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. As shown by Ludwig, it is primarily found in scientific and news contexts, it is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides a clear reference point for the 'relative' frequency to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "fairly frequently", "somewhat frequently" and "quite frequently".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively often

Highlights the frequency in comparison to something else.

fairly frequently

Emphasizes frequency to a slightly lesser degree than the original phrase.

quite frequently

Indicates a notable degree of frequency, similar to "relatively often".

not infrequently

A more formal way of saying "relatively often", suggesting that something occurs with some regularity.

reasonably frequently

Suggests that something happens with enough frequency to be expected or normal.

somewhat frequently

Highlights a frequency that is noticeable but not particularly high.

moderately often

Indicates a frequency that is neither high nor low, but somewhere in the middle.

pretty often

A more informal way of saying "relatively often", suggesting that something occurs with regularity.

on occasion

Suggests a less frequent occurrence, happening sometimes but not regularly.

from time to time

Implies an irregular frequency, where occurrences are spaced out.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively often" to describe actions or events that occur with some frequency, but not as much as "very often". For example, "I visit my family "relatively often", about once a month."

What are some alternatives to "relatively often"?

Alternatives include "fairly frequently", "somewhat frequently", or "quite frequently", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "relatively often" formal or informal?

"Relatively often" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "not infrequently" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "relatively often" and "very often"?

"Very often" implies a high degree of frequency, while "relatively often" suggests a frequency that is noticeable but not necessarily high. "I go to the gym "very often", almost every day" indicates a higher frequency than "I go to the gym "relatively often", about three times a week".