a somewhat short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a somewhat short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is shorter than expected or typical, but not excessively so. Example: "The meeting was a somewhat short affair, lasting only thirty minutes instead of the usual hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For me it felt as though the game really ended with Nero's last big fight, and looked at that way, Devil May Cry 4 can be seen as a somewhat short but very entertaining game with a lot of bonus missions.

The New York Times - Tech

The robot resembles a somewhat short person with long arms and smooth white panels covering its mechanical bits, with optical sensors but into the head.

TechCrunch

The game had a somewhat short development cycle of 18 months.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Such versions left out a somewhat shorter, lighter cohort.

The Guardian - Books

A somewhat shorter Greek wrap was known as a chlamys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a four-year waiting list for moorings and a somewhat shorter wait for dock space.

The New York Times

But Mr. Chase, who has previously expressed reservations about continuing beyond this season, agreed to a somewhat shorter final season.

The New York Times

Weighing 450 to 875 grams, it has a body up to 30 cm long and a somewhat shorter, bushy tail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To get around that, Bob Schieffer, the anchor of "The CBS Evening News," will be the host of a somewhat shorter edition for the Web.

The New York Times

The Siyeh Pass Trail can either be an extended loop or a somewhat shorter out and back of about 11 miles — the option I chose.

The New York Times - Travel

A somewhat shorter version was originally broadcast from the National Gallery to about 40 sold-out theaters across Britain as the reception was taking place.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a somewhat short" to describe durations, lengths, or periods that are less than average but not significantly so. For example, "The presentation was a somewhat short overview, covering only the main points."

Common error

Avoid using "a somewhat short" when you mean something is very short. The phrase implies a mild degree of brevity, so using it for significantly short items can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a somewhat short" functions as a pre-modifier in a noun phrase, qualifying the noun that follows. It indicates that something possesses a degree of shortness, but not excessively so. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a somewhat short" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something that is less than average in length or duration without being extremely so. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in English. It appears across various contexts including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "relatively brief" or "moderately short". When writing, ensure that the context reflects a mild degree of brevity to avoid misleading the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a relatively brief

Emphasizes the brevity in comparison to a standard duration or length.

a moderately short

Highlights the moderate degree of shortness.

a slightly shorter

Indicates a marginal decrease in length.

a reasonably short

Suggests that the length is short but acceptable or expected.

a fairly brief

Highlights that the length is brief to a certain extent.

a marginally short

Stresses the slight difference in length.

a tad short

Uses a more informal tone to indicate slight shortness.

a bit short

Another informal way of saying something is slightly short.

a comparatively short

Emphasizes that the length is short when compared to something else.

a contracted version

Implies that the original was shortened or reduced.

FAQs

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

You can use "a somewhat short" to describe something that is less than the average length or duration but not drastically so. For instance, "The movie was "a somewhat short" film, lasting only 90 minutes".

What are some alternatives to using "a somewhat short"?

Alternatives include "relatively brief", "moderately short", or "slightly shorter", depending on the context and the degree of shortness you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a somewhat short" is suitable for formal writing. However, for even more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "relatively brief" or "moderately short" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "a somewhat short" and "a very short"?

"A somewhat short" implies a slight reduction in length or duration, while "a very short" indicates a significant reduction. Use "a somewhat short" when the difference is moderate and "a very short" when the difference is substantial.