relatively old

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively old" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make comparisons between the age of two things. For example, "This car is relatively old compared to the others in the lot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the team is relatively old.

The New York Times - Sports

One is relatively old, and the other quite new.

Advances in Psychology

The plants that failed [in Japan] were relatively old.

The New Yorker

Most of the workers are relatively old and unskilled.

The New York Times

Much of the mid-west's labour force is relatively old.

The Economist

The genera are likely from distinct, relatively old lineages and may have originated close in time.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

And yet the show's charms are relatively old-fashioned.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

MS. KEPCHER'S path to Trumpdom was relatively old-fashioned.

The New York Times

The tools that he first chose in our hunt were relatively old-fashioned: flashlights.

The New York Times - Travel

Here's a big advantage: hydro power is relatively old-fashioned in its simplicity.

Huffington Post

You can also control Fleye the relatively old-fashioned way, with your smartphone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively old", ensure the context makes clear what it is being compared to. Providing a reference point enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively old" without providing a basis for comparison. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively old" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating its age in relation to something else. It is used to provide a comparative assessment rather than an absolute age. As Ludwig shows, it is deemed correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively old" is a commonly used adjective phrase employed to describe the age of something in comparison to a reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including science, news media, and academia, indicating its versatility. When using "relatively old", it is essential to provide context to ensure clarity. While it is suitable for formal writing, alternatives like "of considerable age" can be used for added emphasis. Remember to always provide a comparison, otherwise the sentence loses its context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly old

Similar in meaning, but slightly less formal.

quite old

Similar in meaning, but might imply a slightly greater degree of age.

comparatively old

Highlights the comparison aspect of the age.

somewhat old

Indicates a moderate degree of age.

moderately old

More formal way of saying "somewhat old".

of considerable age

More formal and emphatic.

getting on in years

Idiomatic expression, often referring to people.

long in the tooth

Informal, often humorous way of saying old.

not new

Understates the age; focuses on the lack of newness.

past its prime

Suggests decline from a previous state of excellence.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively old" to compare the age of something to another item or a general standard. For instance, "This computer is "relatively old" compared to the latest models".

What's the difference between "relatively old" and "fairly old"?

While both indicate that something is not new, "relatively old" implies a direct comparison, while "fairly old" simply indicates a degree of age. /s/fairly+old

What can I say instead of "relatively old"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat old", "comparatively old", or "getting on in years" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "relatively old" is suitable for formal writing, especially when making precise comparisons. However, consider alternatives like "of considerable age" for more emphasis.