a somewhat less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a somewhat less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things, indicating that one is to a lesser degree than the other. Example: "The new model is a somewhat less expensive option compared to the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rachel is, strangely enough, a somewhat less convincing character.

The New York Times - Books

Lewis en famille is naturally a somewhat less forbidding character.

The New Yorker

In a somewhat less serious fiscal situation, Giuliani's rhetoric served his purpose".

The New York Times

But the book also subordinates a gripping tale to a somewhat less scintillating narrative.

The New York Times - Books

Gorman, too, has earned himself a nickname at the bank, albeit a somewhat less glamorous one.

The Guardian - Business

Northwest of New Jack City sits a somewhat less grim encampment.

The New York Times

The other ads take a similar tack, albeit in a somewhat less matter-of-fact manner.

The New York Times

American intelligence officers who worked directly with Mr. Haqqani had a somewhat less starry-eyed view.

The New York Times

(From some angles he brings to mind a somewhat less dissolute Serge Gainsbourg).

The New York Times

Jim Watkins, an anchor on WPIX-TV, has tried a somewhat less formal look.

The New York Times

(In Europe, Mercedes has a somewhat less exclusive image than in the United States).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a somewhat less", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a somewhat less" when there is no explicit or implicit comparison. For instance, instead of saying "The project was a somewhat less success", specify "The project was a somewhat less success than anticipated" or "than the previous project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a somewhat less" primarily functions as a degree modifier. It indicates a reduction or diminishment to a certain extent. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it is used to compare two things, highlighting that one is smaller, weaker, or of lesser intensity than the other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a somewhat less" functions as a degree modifier, indicating a moderate reduction or diminishment. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various authoritative sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, with a grammatically correct structure. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "a somewhat less", ensure that the context clearly establishes the comparison to avoid ambiguity and provide precise, nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slightly smaller

Indicates a minor reduction, emphasizing the small degree of difference.

a marginally reduced

Suggests an even slighter decrease, useful for emphasizing minimal change.

a relatively lower

Highlights the comparison, focusing on the relative difference in magnitude.

a noticeably diminished

Emphasizes that the reduction is easily observable or significant.

a somewhat diminished

More formal and precise, suitable for technical or academic contexts.

a considerably smaller

Expresses a reduction to a notable extent.

a significantly reduced

Implies an important and impactful level of diminishment.

a tangibly smaller

Refers to the reduction in a very palpable way.

a appreciably smaller

Suggests a clear and measurable degree of reduction.

a modestly lower

Highlights that the difference is limited or tempered.

FAQs

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

Use "a somewhat less" to indicate that something has been reduced to a degree. For example, "This year's revenue was "a somewhat less" than last year's".

What's a formal way to say "a somewhat less"?

In formal contexts, you might replace "a somewhat less" with phrases such as "a relatively lower", or "a moderately reduced".

Is it always necessary to follow "a somewhat less" with a comparative?

While not grammatically required, including a comparative element after "a somewhat less" often adds clarity. For instance, saying ""a somewhat less" effective" implies a comparison to something else, making the statement more informative.

What's the difference between "a little less" and "a somewhat less"?

"A little less" is more informal and indicates a smaller degree of reduction. "A somewhat less" is slightly more formal and suggests a more noticeable, though still moderate, reduction. They can be interchangeable, but the context should guide the choice.