relatively speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to compare things by noting that one thing is more or less true in relation to something else. For example, "The weather today is relatively speaking much warmer than it was yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relatively speaking.

The Guardian

It's just unlikely, relatively speaking.

The New York Times

That's still generous, relatively speaking.

The New York Times

Relatively speaking, at least.

The Guardian

It is inexpensive, relatively speaking.

Harvard University

Relatively speaking, baseball fans are geriatric.

The New Yorker

Relatively speaking, the icequakes were minuscule.

The Economist

"Relatively speaking, that's good," Suarez said.

The New York Times

Smooth puzzle, relatively speaking, Mr. Cee.

The New York Times

Relatively speaking, Owens was ignored.

The New York Times - Sports

Relatively speaking, he is right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively speaking" to provide context and avoid making absolute statements that may not be universally true. It adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively speaking" when a direct comparison is sufficient and clearer. For example, instead of saying "This car is relatively speaking more expensive", simply state "This car is more expensive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a statement by indicating that it's true only in relation to something else. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, in the sentence "Food was plentiful during January, relatively speaking", it clarifies that the abundance of food is in comparison to another period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide context and qualify statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, media, and academic contexts. The phrase serves to introduce a comparison, indicating that the statement is only true in relation to something else. While alternatives like "comparatively speaking" and "in comparison" exist, "relatively speaking" offers a unique nuance that adds depth to writing. It's important to use it judiciously, avoiding redundancy in simple comparisons, as overuse can diminish its impact. This phrase finds frequent use in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively speaking

Emphasizes a direct comparison between two or more things.

in comparison

Highlights the act of comparing, often used to introduce a contrasting point.

by comparison

Similar to "in comparison", but can also imply a more general assessment.

in relative terms

Focuses on understanding something within a specific context or frame of reference.

proportionally speaking

Indicates a comparison based on ratios or proportions.

considering the circumstances

Takes into account the surrounding factors when making an assessment.

given the context

Emphasizes the importance of understanding the situation before making a judgment.

from a specific perspective

Highlights that the statement is true only from a particular point of view.

on balance

Suggests a comprehensive evaluation of different aspects before reaching a conclusion.

taking everything into account

Implies a thorough consideration of all relevant factors.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively speaking" to show that a statement is true only when compared to something else. For example, "Relatively speaking, the cost of living here is low compared to other major cities."

What can I say instead of "relatively speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "comparatively speaking", "in comparison", or "in relative terms" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "relatively speaking" when making a comparison?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "relatively speaking" when you want to emphasize that your statement is based on a comparison and might not be true in all situations. If the comparison is obvious, a simpler statement might be better.

What's the difference between "relatively speaking" and "generally speaking"?

"Relatively speaking" indicates a comparison, while "generally speaking" means "in most cases" or "usually". They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.