a somewhat useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a somewhat useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has limited utility or effectiveness, indicating that it is not entirely useful but has some value. Example: "The manual provided was a somewhat useful resource, but it lacked detailed explanations for complex tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

You're not likely to just use one instance, so for a somewhat useful setup with three brokers and a good amount of storage and some other fees, you'll quickly pay well over $500 per month.

TechCrunch

But it might be easier if he wanted to do it; the order today makes it sound like he considers it a somewhat useful place.

The New Yorker

I also obtained a somewhat useful Hitwise chart on del.icio.us traffic independently which is below as well.

TechCrunch

While some people hate the idea of only reading what someone else likes, for popular feeds, it's actually a somewhat useful filter in determining the most interesting articles.

TechCrunch

Systemic inflammatory response criteria, though a somewhat useful initial screening tool, are poorly specific for sepsis [ 8].

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That said, Money 2004 includes a few somewhat useful changes.

Forbes

You'll get what you're looking for along with the added bonus of a great web browser, pretty good GPS navigator, and a handful of somewhat useful software.

TechCrunch

"The intelligence cooperation with the US is extremely useful to us, and somewhat useful to the Americans.

The Guardian

The education, occupation, or marital status of a juror may be somewhat useful.

WikiHow

Views on WISH Project strategies and GAP materials will be elicited by seeking the level of usefulness using a five-point Likert scale (very useful; somewhat useful; undecided; not really useful; not at all useful).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Almost all speech pathologists had used a stroke CPG and had found the guideline "somewhat useful" or "very useful".

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a somewhat useful" to temper expectations when describing something that provides some, but not complete, benefit. This avoids overstating its value and sets a realistic tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a somewhat useful" when something is actually highly effective or essential. Misrepresenting its utility can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a somewhat useful" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to qualify the degree of usefulness, indicating that something is not entirely useless but also not highly effective. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is acceptable and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a somewhat useful" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to describe something that has a limited degree of utility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's best used to manage expectations and provide a realistic assessment, as overstating its value could undermine your credibility. While versatile across contexts such as news, science, and general writing, the phrase appears relatively infrequently. Semantically related options include "moderately helpful" and "of limited utility", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of limited utility

Directly states that the usefulness is restricted or not extensive.

to some extent useful

Emphasizes that the usefulness is limited or conditional.

partially effective

Highlights that only a portion of the desired effect is achieved.

moderately helpful

Suggests a level of assistance that is neither strong nor weak.

somewhat advantageous

Highlights a degree of benefit, but not overwhelmingly so.

marginally beneficial

Indicates a slight benefit, implying the usefulness is small.

slightly practical

Suggests that the thing has some practical application, but not very much.

minimally effective

Implies that the effect is at the lower end of the spectrum.

reasonably serviceable

Indicates that the thing is functional for its purpose, but not outstanding.

serviceable to a degree

Highlights limited serviceability or usefulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a somewhat useful" to describe something that has a limited degree of utility. For example, "The guide was "a somewhat useful resource", but it didn't cover all the topics."

What are some alternatives to "a somewhat useful"?

Alternatives include "partially helpful", "moderately helpful", or "of limited utility", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "somewhat useful" or "very useful"?

The choice depends on the actual degree of usefulness. "Very useful" indicates a high degree of utility, while "somewhat useful" suggests a more limited benefit. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "a somewhat useful" and "a completely useless"?

"A somewhat useful" implies that something has some value or benefit, even if limited, whereas "a completely useless" means it has no value or benefit at all. One has partial utility, the other has zero utility.