a somewhat feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a somewhat feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak or lacking in strength or effectiveness, often in a somewhat understated manner. Example: "The presentation was a somewhat feeble attempt to convince the board of the project's viability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Better stuff from Federer, meanwhile, coming into the net and smashing a somewhat feeble lob attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

But paradoxically, he also confirmed that Labour would not force a vote: it would wave the regulations through, with the proviso that a future Labour government will scrap them if things go wrong in future, and a somewhat feeble parting shot at children's minister Edward Timpson that it would be all his fault if it did go pear-shaped.

The Guardian

I even considered, by way of a somewhat feeble tribute, submitting a blank page - a sheet of brilliant white that would perfectly encapsulate my inarticulate reverence (Johnson, I should explain, once used pages shaded from grey to black to communicate the experience of a character's heart attack, a device he adapted from his beloved Tristram Shandy).

The Guardian - Books

The Idaho Democrat was the sole non-Republican to earn the group's backing (a somewhat feeble way to prove that the movement was bipartisan in nature) and his office reluctantly accepted -- though 'declined-to-reject' may be the more operative description.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His court appearances after his ouster — in which he lay on a stretcher, wearing pajamas and sunglasses — and frequent reports of his ill health have reinforced his image as a detached, somewhat feeble leader.

The New York Times

A quick string of somewhat feeble compliments should do it.

The Guardian

The McKay Commission proposes a fourth answer which, however, is somewhat feeble.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is commendably outspoken, for example, on Iran's nuclear programme and its threats against Israel (though also somewhat feeble in her attitude towards Vladimir Putin's increasingly pushy Russia).

The Economist

A: Somewhat, yes.

Science Magazine

First, the methods are based on procedures proper to analysing latent variables [ 51], rather than the somewhat feeble data reduction methods such as PCA.

BMC Geriatrics

Based on Carson McCullers's 1941 short novel about homosexuality, self-mutilation, and fetishism on an army base in the South, Taylor's Leonora Penderton is a sexually avaricious and somewhat "feeble-minded" wife to Captain Penderton (Marlon Brando), a repressed gay army officer who not only refuses to sleep with her but despises those aspects of her body that remain a convict's dream.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a somewhat feeble" to subtly downplay the strength or impact of something without being overly critical. This can be useful in providing constructive feedback or describing situations where a stronger approach was expected.

Common error

Avoid using "a somewhat feeble" excessively in formal or professional writing. While grammatically correct, its slightly understated tone might not convey the seriousness or urgency required in certain situations. Opt for more direct and impactful language when necessary.

Linguistic Context

"A somewhat feeble" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun by indicating a degree of weakness or ineffectiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a somewhat feeble" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, functioning to subtly downplay the strength or effectiveness of something. While not exceptionally common, it is appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, and offers a way to soften criticism. When using this phrase, consider the overall tone of your writing and whether a more direct or impactful expression would be more suitable. Alternatives like "a rather weak" or "a slightly inadequate" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rather weak

Emphasizes the lack of strength or effectiveness, similar to "feeble" but uses a more common adjective.

a slightly inadequate

Highlights the deficiency or lack of sufficiency in a more understated way.

a somewhat flimsy

Suggests a lack of solidity or substance, often implying a lack of reliability.

a rather unconvincing

Focuses on the lack of persuasiveness or credibility.

a barely sufficient

Indicates that something just meets the minimum requirements, with little margin for error.

a marginally effective

Suggests that something has some effect, but it is very limited or minimal.

a touch ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of effectiveness using milder terms.

a little deficient

Highlights a slight lack or shortage in quality or quantity.

a bit frail

Implies physical or metaphorical weakness, often suggesting vulnerability.

a tad weak

Offers a more casual and less formal way to express the same sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "a somewhat feeble" in a sentence?

You can use "a somewhat feeble" to describe something that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in strength. For example, "The company's response to the crisis was "a somewhat feeble" attempt to regain public trust."

What are some alternatives to "a somewhat feeble"?

Alternatives include "a rather weak", "a slightly inadequate", or "a somewhat flimsy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a somewhat feeble" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a somewhat feeble" might be too understated for some formal contexts. Consider using stronger and more direct language to ensure your message is clear and impactful.

What's the difference between "a somewhat feeble" and "a very weak"?

"A very weak" directly emphasizes the lack of strength, while "a somewhat feeble" implies a milder or more subtle deficiency. The latter might be used to soften criticism or avoid being overly negative.