relatively slim

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively slim" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing the size or amount of something to indicate that it is slim in relation to other options. For example, "The report had a relatively slim margin for error." Alternative expressions include "fairly narrow" and "somewhat thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Film

Business

Books

Sports

Tech

Health

Wiki

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pickings were relatively slim for the other new releases.

The Guardian - Film

Dropping a relatively slim 35%, it moved back up to seventh place.

The Guardian - Film

Heroic gravity-defier of the week is The Butler, which drooped a relatively slim 23%.

The Guardian - Film

The movement out of stock mutual funds has been relatively slim compared with previous market droughts.

The New York Times

They lived on the edge but produced some amazing rugby and some incredible players from relatively slim resources.

The Guardian - Sport

Her relatively slim book doesn't provide a truly wide-angle view, but the insights she brings are insinuating and complex.

The New York Times - Books

At the end of 2009, the paper loss was £26bn and at the end of 2010 the loss was a relatively slim £12.8bn.

The Guardian - Business

Bucking the trend is family animation The Good Dinosaur, which fell a relatively slim 30%, and festive comedy Christmas With the Coopers, down 45%.

The Guardian - Film

Down a relatively slim 27%, the film took twice as much as The Look of Love at the weekend (admittedly from more screens), for a £2.4m total.

The Guardian - Film

The episode revealed a lot about Senator Obama — now running for president, against the odds again and with a relatively slim résumé.

The New York Times

So one might have thought that companies would have had less room to slash payrolls, since they were already relatively slim.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing proportions, consider using "relatively slim" to suggest a comparison against a standard or expectation, adding context to the description. For instance, "a relatively slim chance" indicates a lower probability than generally expected.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively slim" without establishing a clear comparison. Ensure the context implies what is being compared to, as the phrase's meaning depends on this implicit reference. For example, instead of saying "the company had a relatively slim profit", specify "relatively slim compared to last year's earnings."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively slim" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that qualifies a noun by indicating its size or extent in comparison to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Sports

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively slim" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something as thin or small in comparison to something else. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and business domains. The analysis reveals that it is appropriate for both formal and informal communication, offering a balanced approach to describing dimensions or probabilities. Remember to provide a context for comparison to maximize its effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a common and valid part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately thin

Emphasizes the thinness to a moderate degree.

somewhat slender

Highlights the slenderness with a touch of elegance.

comparatively narrow

Focuses on the narrowness in comparison to other things.

reasonably lean

Stresses the leanness with a sense of acceptability.

fairly slight

Suggests a small degree or amount.

marginally reduced

Emphasizes a small reduction or decrease.

slightly diminished

Highlights a small decrease in size or importance.

minimally decreased

Focuses on the minimal nature of the decrease.

notably less

Indicates a noticeable but not extreme difference.

somewhat petite

Implies a small and delicate size, often used for physical dimensions.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively slim" to describe something that is small or narrow in comparison to something else. For example, "The book has a "relatively slim" chance of success" or "The phone is "relatively slim" compared to other models".

What are some alternatives to "relatively slim"?

Alternatives to "relatively slim" include "moderately thin", "somewhat slender", or "comparatively narrow". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "relatively slim" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to express a moderate degree of thinness or smallness. Its usage is widespread in business, news, and academic contexts.

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

"Relatively slim" indicates a comparison, meaning something is slim in relation to something else. "Very slim" simply means something is highly thin or small without necessarily implying a comparison. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a comparison or simply state a degree of thinness.