relatively substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considerable or significant in a comparative sense, often when discussing quantities, impacts, or changes. Example: "The research showed that there was a relatively substantial increase in productivity after the new policies were implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

This was predominantly due to a relatively substantial contribution by Signature D and a relative deficiency of Signature A in these cancers.

Cell

Among the smaller banks that did a relatively substantial number of deals, Thomas Weisel Partners finished at the bottom.

The New York Times

Mr. Motta said the cost savings were relatively substantial, too, amounting to "a million dollars plus" for the company.

The New York Times

Mr. Huntsman's supporters have made a relatively substantial purchase of television ad time.

The New York Times

The magazine must pay some writers through the full terms of their contracts, which in some cases will amount to relatively substantial sums.

The New York Times

Even a 10-minute Chopin ballade for piano, let alone Messiaen's 75-minute "Turangalila Symphony," tries to grapple with, activate and organize a relatively substantial span of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

While each V CPD image appears to be uniform and relatively smooth, substantial differences in the mean V CPD values can be observed (shown in Fig. 4f).

Nanoscale Research Letters

I have argued (Jaworska unpublished) that when the interests of the earlier person are relatively minor, substantial interests of the current nonperson ought to trump.

SEP

However, relatively more substantial amounts of data were coded against the remaining themes.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

But the two Middle Eastern countries that have shown relatively steady and substantial economic growth — Israel and Turkey — have also received tens of billions of dollars in U.S. aid.

The New Yorker

Only the Ebro River has a relatively constant and substantial flow 19,081 cubic feet (540 cubic metres) per second at Tortosa coming from snowmelt as well as rainfall in the high Pyrenees.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively substantial" to indicate a quantity, impact, or degree that is considerable when compared to something else. This phrase is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively substantial" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "pretty big" or "quite a lot" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively substantial" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It describes the extent or degree of a noun. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is often used to qualify quantities, impacts, or changes. For example, describing a purchase of television ad time or an increase in productivity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively substantial" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates something is considerable or significant in a comparative sense. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While suitable for formal and professional writing, it's best to avoid it in casual settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Its purpose is to highlight a degree or amount that is noticeable when compared to something else, emphasizing its importance within a given context. Therefore, careful consideration of the audience and purpose is crucial when deciding to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly significant

This alternative suggests a noticeable impact or importance, similar to the original phrase.

quite significant

This emphasizes the importance or impact of something, suggesting it's more than just somewhat significant.

reasonably significant

This option is akin to the original, with 'reasonable' indicating an acceptable or justifiable degree of importance.

fairly large

This alternative is a simple and direct way to indicate that something is above average in size or amount.

somewhat considerable

This option implies that something is worthy of attention but might not be overwhelmingly large.

comparatively sizable

It emphasizes the comparison, indicating the degree is notable when compared to something else.

moderately large

This phrase is more direct about size, suggesting a quantity that is more than average but not extreme.

noticeably important

This highlights the prominence or visibility of the significance.

appreciably large

This phrase emphasizes that the degree or amount is easily perceived or measured.

markedly considerable

It stresses that the degree or amount is easily perceived or measured.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively substantial" to describe an amount, impact, or degree that is considerable in comparison to something else. For example, "There was a relatively substantial increase in sales after the marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "relatively substantial"?

Alternatives include "fairly significant", "somewhat considerable", or "moderately large" depending on the specific context.

Is "relatively substantial" formal or informal?

"Relatively substantial" is considered a semi-formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. It is less appropriate for casual or informal contexts.

What does "relatively substantial" mean?

The phrase "relatively substantial" means considerable or significant in a comparative way. It indicates that something is large or important when compared to something else, or in a certain context.