What Does "somewhat" Mean?
- What it expresses: "Somewhat" is an adverb of degree used to indicate "to a moderate extent" or "in some measure." it functions as a mitigator, softening the force of the word it modifies without dismissing it entirely.
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It primarily modifies adjectives (somewhat different), adverbs (somewhat better), and verbs (somewhat resembles). It can also modify entire clauses or past participles.
- Register: Neutral to formal. While common in journalism and academic writing, it can feel slightly stiff in very casual conversation, where "a bit" or "kind of" might be preferred.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions: It most naturally appears in the mid-position, immediately before the adjective or verb it modifies. While it can appear at the end of a clause (final position) for emphasis, it rarely appears at the very beginning (initial position) unless part of a complex introductory phrase.
- What it modifies: When modifying an adjective, it narrows the scope of the quality (e.g., "somewhat expensive" is less than "very expensive"). When modifying a verb, it suggests a partial action or a limited effect.
- Grammatical flexibility: It works well with negation (e.g., "not somewhat," though "not entirely" is more common) and in questions. However, it cannot modify nouns directly.
- What sounds unnatural: Using "somewhat" to modify absolute or "limit" adjectives (like "dead," "unique," or "impossible") sounds contradictory, as these terms do not typically exist in degrees.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from somewhat on Ludwig.guru.
"The idea that students should seek permission for protest action somewhat misses the point of an occupation action." — theguardian.com
"But the site's credibility was undermined somewhat when Monster's Patty Jenkins was last night revealed to have taken the job." — theguardian.com
"The situations are somewhat different (although not by much, some would argue)." — theguardian.com
"The works, which he trailed on his Instagram account last night, include one piece which somewhat resembles Rodin's sculpture The Thinker, with the figure's hand gone from thoughtfully supporting his face to covering it in despair – or perhaps Niobe, the classical figure weeping for the loss of her children." — theguardian.com
"To which many of her contemporaries may respond, somewhat bitterly, 'if only'." — theguardian.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/somewhat
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| to some extent |
Formal; often used to introduce a nuanced point in an argument. |
| slightly |
Neutral; implies a smaller degree than somewhat. |
| moderately |
Technical or formal; used when discussing measurable scales. |
| rather |
British English leaning; can suggest a degree that is more than expected. |
| a bit |
Informal; the standard choice for spoken, everyday English. |
| partially |
Specific to verbs or states that can be incomplete. |
Common Mistakes
- Modifying Nouns: Learners often try to use it as a determiner (e.g., "I have somewhat money"). It must modify an adjective or verb; for nouns, use "some" or "a bit of."
- Confusion with 'Something': Some confuse somewhat with the pronoun "something." Remember that somewhat describes how much, while "something" refers to an object.
- Register Mismatch: Using somewhat in a very casual text message might seem overly formal or sarcastic.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| somewhat |
Degree Modifier |
Neutral / Formal |
Pre-adjective or Pre-verb |
FAQs
Where should somewhat be placed in a sentence
The most natural position for somewhat is the mid-position, specifically right before the adjective or adverb it modifies. While it can appear at the end of a sentence to modify a verb, placing it at the start is rare and usually requires a comma.
What is the difference between somewhat and slightly
While both act as mitigators, somewhat usually suggests a slightly higher degree or a more significant moderate extent than "slightly." Furthermore, somewhat carries a more formal tone, making it better suited for professional reports or journalism.
Can I use somewhat to modify a noun directly
No, you cannot use somewhat to modify a noun because it is an adverb, not a determiner or adjective. Learners often confuse it with something; you should use "some" for nouns and reserve somewhat for modifying qualities or actions.