relatively ordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively ordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is average or typical in comparison to other things, suggesting a moderate degree of ordinariness. Example: "The painting was relatively ordinary, lacking the vibrant colors and unique style of the artist's more famous works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

GOOD PEOPLE And, it seems, relatively ordinary people as well.

The New York Times

It turns out that Mr. Lazio and his wife, Patricia, seem to have relatively ordinary finances.

The New York Times

I'm a relatively ordinary international student who needs nearly full financial aid.

The New York Times

Sure, guard Peyton Siva produced relatively ordinary statistics Saturday, but he also calmed the Cardinals and quelled the comeback.

The New York Times - Sports

They say loopholes have made it easy to bring in workers with relatively ordinary skills who substitute for American workers.

The New York Times

That player, guard Peyton Siva, produced relatively ordinary statistics Saturday, but he also calmed the Cardinals and quelled the comeback.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Other smart features stuffed into an otherwise relatively ordinary-looking 34L, 21.5″ x 14″ x 9″  suitcase are a digital, proximity-triggered lock which can secure the case when it's out of range of your phone for peace of mind.

TechCrunch

Yet relatively few ordinary citizens have heard of it, much less visited.

The New York Times

Burton points to another contributing factor: the transition from the structured rituals of academic life to the relatively formless ordinary world of earning a living.

The Guardian

Since Mr. Romney seems to have had relatively little ordinary income since leaving Bain Capital, he may have been able to get to a very low rate in 2009 using tax loss carry-forwards from 2008 to offset capital gains and charitable contributions to offset up to 50 percent of his ordinary income.

The New York Times

As the dataset used here was relatively dense, ordinary kriging gave more precise predictions than PLS regression.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively ordinary", ensure that the comparison point is clear. For example, specify what the subject is ordinary compared to, providing context to enhance understanding. This helps avoid ambiguity and adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "relatively ordinary" when aiming to create vivid descriptions. While it conveys a sense of normalcy, overuse can flatten the impact of your writing. Explore more specific adjectives to capture the nuances of what you're describing, like "commonplace", "typical", or "average".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively ordinary" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to qualify a noun. It indicates that something is ordinary to a certain degree, but not entirely so. This is supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its use in contexts like describing statistics or people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively ordinary" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is average or typical to a certain extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a descriptive modifier, adding a nuanced level of ordinariness without being overly absolute. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is ordinary compared to. Consider alternatives like "fairly common" or "somewhat typical" to enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Be mindful of overuse, and enrich your descriptive vocabulary to capture the specific qualities you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat typical

Indicates a slight deviation in terms of being precisely "ordinary", focusing on typicality.

fairly commonplace

Emphasizes the common occurrence of something, akin to "ordinary" but with a focus on frequency.

moderately average

Highlights the quality of being average to a moderate degree.

reasonably standard

Focuses on conforming to a norm or standard, similar to being "ordinary".

comparatively unremarkable

Underscores the lack of distinctiveness when compared to others, downplaying uniqueness.

quite conventional

Highlights adherence to accepted norms, suggesting a lack of deviation from the norm.

noticeably pedestrian

Emphasizes the lack of distinction and imaginative quality, suggesting dullness.

rather routine

Focuses on the habitual and predictable nature, implying a lack of excitement or novelty.

somewhat humdrum

Highlights the monotony and lack of excitement, indicating a dull or uninteresting quality.

slightly banal

Emphasizes the lack of originality and freshness, indicating a trite or predictable nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively ordinary" to describe something that is average or typical in comparison to other things. For example, "The restaurant's menu was "relatively ordinary", with standard dishes you'd find anywhere."

What can I say instead of "relatively ordinary"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly common", "somewhat typical", or "moderately average" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "relatively ordinary" or "relatively extraordinary"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Relatively ordinary" means somewhat average or typical, while "relatively extraordinary" means somewhat exceptional or remarkable. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "relatively ordinary" and "quite ordinary"?

"Relatively ordinary" suggests a comparison to something else, implying that it's average in relation to other things. "Quite ordinary", on the other hand, simply emphasizes the degree to which something is ordinary without necessarily making a direct comparison. The distinction lies in the subtle nuance of comparison versus emphasis.