relatively so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true to a certain extent or in comparison to something else. Example: "The results were disappointing, but relatively so when considering the challenges we faced during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

In a sense, most of the work is radical, at least relatively so.

The New York Times

Several of the artists are deceased, having died young, or relatively so.

The New Yorker

The genetic blueprint that keeps most of us puny, or relatively so, was missing.

The New Yorker

He started searching for something deeper, something if not new, then relatively so.

The New York Times - Sports

In some Indian systems the atoms are not absolutely indivisible but only relatively so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some firms did perform better than others, but only relatively so.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Hell, I've even got relatively nice relatives, so I know I should be relatively happy.

The New Yorker

"Everybody knows Gats [Gatland] doesn't shy away from putting relatively so-called big names on the bench," said Phillips.

BBC

And, relatively speaking, so is attendance.

The New York Times - Sports

If TIPS are relatively expensive, so are regular Treasury bonds.

The New York Times

Most male attention has been relatively harmless so far.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively so" to introduce a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that a statement is true only under certain conditions or in comparison to something else. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively so" when a straightforward comparison would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or hesitant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively so" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying a preceding statement. It introduces a degree of relativity or comparison, indicating that something is true, valid, or significant only to a certain extent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively so" is a useful adverbial phrase for adding a layer of qualification to statements. It suggests that something is true or valid only to a certain degree or in comparison to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it is also found in Science and Encyclopedia entries, indicating a broad applicability. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid unnecessary complexity, and consider alternatives like "somewhat" or "to some extent" for simpler comparisons. The key is to use it when you want to express a nuanced perspective and acknowledge the relativity of a statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat

A more concise way of saying "relatively so", implying a moderate degree.

to a certain extent

Indicates a limited degree of truth or accuracy, similar to "relatively so" but emphasizes limitation.

to some degree

Similar to "to a certain extent", but perhaps a slightly stronger emphasis on the existence of the quality.

to a limited degree

Combines the ideas of extent and restriction.

comparatively

Focuses on the comparison aspect, highlighting that something is true when compared to something else.

in comparison

Highlights the comparison aspect, similar to "comparatively".

by comparison

Similar to "in comparison", emphasizing the act of comparing.

in a relative manner

Emphasizes the relational aspect, suggesting that the truth depends on the frame of reference.

in a limited way

Stresses the restriction or limitation of the truth or quality being described.

more or less

Indicates an approximation, similar to "relatively so" in implying inexactness.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively so" to qualify a statement, indicating it's true to a certain degree or in comparison to something else. For example: "The project was successful, "relatively so", considering the initial obstacles."

What phrases can I use instead of "relatively so"?

Alternatives include "somewhat", "to some extent", or "comparatively". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You could replace it with something like "to a certain extent".

Is it correct to use "relatively so" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, it's less common and might sound awkward. It's generally better to place it within the sentence to qualify a specific statement.

What's the difference between "relatively so" and "absolutely so"?

"Relatively so" implies a qualified truth, while "absolutely so" indicates an unqualified, complete truth. "Relatively so" suggests comparison or limitation, unlike "absolutely so" which implies certainty.