are somewhat less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are somewhat less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two or more things, indicating that one is to a lesser degree than the other. Example: "The results of the second experiment are somewhat less conclusive than those of the first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are somewhat less circumspect.

Independent

The men are somewhat less ardent.

The New Yorker

Innovations in equipment are somewhat less noble.

The New Yorker

Illinois authors are somewhat less represented.

The New Yorker

Certain feldspars are somewhat less common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As such, they are somewhat less morally troubling.

The New Yorker

(Asians are somewhat less likely than whites to take out high-cost loans).

The New York Times

The Democratic primary rules also require petitions, but they are somewhat less complicated.

The New York Times

Gas pipelines are somewhat less objectionable, though, because they are buried.

The New York Times - Science

While this group remains powerful, they are somewhat less dominant after Tuesday than they were before.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the midnight regulations are somewhat less solidly set in stone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are somewhat less" to express a moderate degree of difference or reduction, avoiding stronger or weaker alternatives when precision is needed. For example, "Their chances of success are somewhat less than previously estimated" suggests a tangible but not devastating reduction in probability.

Common error

Avoid using "are somewhat less" when the difference is significant. Using it inappropriately can downplay important discrepancies, leading to misinterpretations. Instead, use "are significantly less" or "are much lower" to accurately reflect substantial differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are somewhat less" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something possesses a particular quality to a lesser degree than something else. As Ludwig AI states, it compares two or more entities, highlighting a reduced level of a specific attribute. The Ludwig examples showcase varied contexts, from moral implications to numerical comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are somewhat less" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a moderate degree of reduction or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. As evidenced by the examples, it's prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives such as "are slightly lower" or "are a bit reduced" exist, choosing the most appropriate phrase depends on the specific nuance intended. Be mindful not to understate significant differences and always ensure contextual accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are slightly reduced

Suggests a small decrease in quantity or intensity.

are marginally smaller

Indicates a slight difference in size.

are fractionally lower

Stresses that it is only by a tiny bit beneath a specified target.

are not quite as significant

Suggests a slight reduction in importance.

are a touch diminished

Implies a subtle lessening in some attribute.

are barely below

Indicates that it is hardly under the specified amount.

are only negligibly shorter

Implies an insignificant lack of length.

are a little bit inferior

Highlights a minor difference in quality.

are subtly deficient

Underlines a hardly noticeable shortcoming.

are just a shade under

Emphasizes that it is a tiny amount below a target.

FAQs

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

You can use "are somewhat less" to compare two or more things, indicating that one is to a lesser degree than the other. For example, "The new regulations are somewhat less strict than the previous ones".

What are some alternatives to "are somewhat less"?

You can use alternatives like "are slightly lower", "are a bit reduced", or "are marginally smaller" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are somewhat less" over "are significantly less"?

"Are somewhat less" is appropriate when the difference or reduction is moderate and not drastic. Use "are significantly less" when the difference is substantial.

Is "are somewhat less than" the same as "are somewhat less"?

While similar, "are somewhat less than" explicitly states what the subject is being compared to. "Are somewhat less" implies a comparison but doesn't always specify it directly. For example, "The costs are somewhat less" implies they are less than some previous or expected value.