relatively sparse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively sparse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not abundant or is present in small amounts compared to something else. Example: "The vegetation in the desert is relatively sparse, making it difficult for many species to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relatively sparse equipment at this price.

Independent

Yet his itinerary remains relatively sparse.

The Washington Post

The relatively sparse crowd gave Ewing a warm, generous ovation.

The New York Times - Sports

But direct criticisms of the president have been relatively sparse.

The New York Times

Settlement is relatively sparse in the central mountainous area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Distributional data for these species was relatively sparse.

Marine Policy

Comprehensive experimental data are relatively sparse for this important configuration.

Combustion and Flame

It came from living among a relatively sparse human population, with wild animals as our neighbors.

The New Yorker

At any time on the avenue, even cars are relatively sparse.

The New Yorker

FR-3 was a relatively sparse coniferous forest dominated by Japanese red pine.

Nature

Essentially, this approach established relatively sparse networks for members of each practice area.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively sparse", consider the context and ensure that the comparison is clear. What is it sparse relative to? Make this explicit for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively sparse" without providing a clear point of comparison. Readers need to understand what the sparsity is relative to for the phrase to be meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively sparse" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity or density that is less than what might be expected or considered typical. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively sparse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates something is less abundant or dense compared to a reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various fields, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key: make sure to provide context to what the sparsity is relative to. Common errors involve overuse without clear comparison. Consider alternatives like "fairly limited" or "somewhat scant" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly limited

Emphasizes restriction or constraint in quantity or extent.

somewhat scant

Highlights insufficiency or meagerness, suggesting a lack of something necessary.

rather meager

Focuses on the poor or inadequate nature of something, often in terms of resources or provision.

moderately thin

Indicates a low density or concentration, often used in the context of physical distribution.

comparatively few

Stresses the small number of instances or occurrences when contrasted with others.

noticeably reduced

Points to a clear and observable decline or decrease in quantity or presence.

markedly diminished

Suggests a significant and notable decrease in size, importance, or impact.

slightly depleted

Implies a minor reduction in amount or level, often with a sense of resource consumption.

not particularly dense

Specifically refers to a lack of compactness or concentration in a given area or volume.

relatively low

Indicates a lower position on a scale or range compared to others.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively sparse" to describe something that exists in small quantities or is thinly distributed compared to something else. For instance, "The data available on that topic is "relatively sparse", making it difficult to draw firm conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "relatively sparse"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly limited", "somewhat scant", or "not particularly dense" depending on the specific context. For example, instead of "The crowd was relatively sparse", you could say "The crowd was "fairly limited"".

Is it better to use "relatively sparse" or "sparse"?

"Relatively sparse" implies a comparison, while "sparse" simply means thinly distributed or lacking. Use "relatively sparse" when you want to emphasize that something is less abundant compared to something else or to a general expectation. If that comparative element isn't there just use "sparse".

What does "relatively sparse" mean in a scientific context?

In scientific writing, "relatively sparse" often refers to a limited amount of data, research, or evidence available on a particular topic. This indicates that more investigation is needed. It is more accurate to use it as a qualifier instead of just asserting it is "poorly researched".