RELATIVELY (followed by compared)

Question

Hello,Can you help me with this please?When using RELATIVELY, the comparison is implied, but can you say Its relatively cheap (compared to x)One last thingWhich would you say?- It's only 5 dollars more/more expensive than that.-It's 5 dollars cheaper/less expensive that that.-Thats less expensive/cheaper than this. (could you use LESS EXPENSIVE?)Thank you

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Can you help me with this please?

When using RELATIVELY, the comparison is implied, but can you say

It's relatively cheap (compared to x)

Yes, you can. And you should, if you are comparing to a specific thing and that thing is not already clear to the listener.

However, we also say 'It's relatively cheap' in a more general way, meaning roughly 'compared to every similar thing in the world'. In this case, nothing specific needs to be indicated.

One last thing

Which would you say?

- It's only 5 dollars more/more expensive than that.

Here are a couple of general comments, although the specific context also needs to be considered.

It's only 5 dollars more than that. This does not make any suggestion that either item is expensive.

It's only 5 dollars more expensive than that. This suggests to me that both items are expensive.

-It's 5 dollars cheaper/less expensive that that.

-Thats less expensive/cheaper than this. (could you use LESS EXPENSIVE?)

My general comments above also apply here.

In non-USA English, the word 'dear' is often used instead of 'expensive'.

Best wishes, Clive

RELATIVELY (followed by compared)

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