relatively small amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively small amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities to indicate that the amount in question is small in relation to something else. Example: "The project required a relatively small amount of funding compared to previous years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a relatively small amount of supplies.

The Guardian

Each represents a relatively small amount of potential sales.

Harvard Business Review

Even a relatively small amount of damage can be expensive.

Independent

But the melting ice contributes a relatively small amount of water to the Semliki river.

The Guardian

Duncan described Channel 4's losses from its digital radio venture as a "relatively small amount".

The Guardian

The cells create little pollution: a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide.

The New York Times

Moreover, it requires a relatively small amount of space at the surface.

The Guardian

Eating carbohydrates instead of saturated fats also reduced mortality rates, but by a relatively small amount.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At that time my father was on a relatively small amount of narcotics for pain control.

The New York Times - Health

But a relatively small amount of forced labor is still forced labor.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"A relatively small [amount] of data was collected and this was not authorized," he explained, the Times writes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively small amount", ensure the context clearly establishes what the amount is being compared to. This provides clarity and strengthens the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively small amount" without a clear point of comparison. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its intended meaning. Always establish what the amount is small relative to.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "relatively small amount" is to act as a quantifier phrase. It modifies a noun by specifying its quantity in relation to something else. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively small amount" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a quantity that is not large when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various domains, from news and media to science and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the point of comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "modest quantity" or "limited quantity" depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest quantity

Replaces 'relatively small' with 'modest', emphasizing the moderate size of the quantity.

limited quantity

Focuses on the restriction or scarcity of the amount.

small proportion

Highlights the amount as a fraction of a larger whole.

minor quantity

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

negligible quantity

Suggests the amount is so small it's practically insignificant.

slight amount

Indicates a barely noticeable quantity.

tiny quantity

Stresses the extremely small size of the amount.

reduced quantity

Implies the amount has been lessened or decreased.

inconsequential amount

Highlights the lack of importance of the quantity.

marginal amount

Suggests the amount is barely sufficient or significant.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively small amount" in a sentence?

Use "relatively small amount" to describe a quantity that is not large compared to something else. For example, "The project required a "relatively small amount" of funding compared to previous years".

What are some alternatives to "relatively small amount"?

You can use alternatives such as "modest quantity", "limited quantity", or "minor quantity" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a relatively small amount of" something?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase "relatively small amount" is commonly used to indicate that a quantity is not large in comparison to something else.

What's the difference between "relatively small amount" and "absolutely small amount"?

"Relatively small amount" implies a comparison, while "absolutely small amount" suggests the quantity is small regardless of context. The former depends on a reference point, the latter does not.