are somewhat smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are somewhat smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of two or more objects or entities, indicating that one is slightly less in size than the other. Example: "The new models of the smartphone are somewhat smaller than their predecessors, making them easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Females are somewhat smaller.

The New Yorker

Juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults and possess only a single stripe of yellow feathers above each eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chicks are brown with white undersides, and juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults, possessing shorter, paler crests and paler chins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fees for programs are somewhat smaller, he acknowledged, but said, "I'll take creative freedom and folks who get the project and don't run scared".

The New York Times

The three that are somewhat smaller are topped by crowns decorated with what appear to be rings of beads (as shown above).

The Economist

For other countries these proportions are somewhat smaller, but Japan, South Korea, and the countries of western Europe have been rapidly approaching the level in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The zorilles, or African striped polecats (two species of the genus Ictonyx), are somewhat smaller and are often found in agricultural areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults, possessing shorter, paler crests and a paler chin, whereas chicks are brown with a dull white underside.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The demonstrations of late are somewhat smaller than they used to be, especially since the election of President Obama, she said.

The New York Times

It's reasonable to assume that the numbers are somewhat smaller now, as United States adoptions from Russia slowed but didn't stop, while the two countries worked to ratify a bilateral adoption treaty, which became effective on Nov. 1, 2012.

The New York Times

Taken together, bond markets in euro countries are somewhat smaller than America's although Europe's equity markets are much smaller than Wall Street.The dollar's role in international finance is, however, far bigger than America's relative weight would suggest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are somewhat smaller" when you want to indicate a size difference that is noticeable but not substantial. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are somewhat smaller" when the size difference is actually significant. Phrases like "are significantly smaller" or "are much smaller" are more appropriate for larger discrepancies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are somewhat smaller" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It indicates a moderate degree of difference in size between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are somewhat smaller" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to express a moderate size difference. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy. Its versatility makes it appropriate across various writing styles, from scientific reports to news articles. While commonly employed, be mindful of the actual size difference to avoid overstating the case, and consider alternatives like "are slightly smaller" or "are a little smaller" to fine-tune the nuance of your description. The phrase is common in Science, News & Media and Encyclopedia domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are slightly smaller

Replaces "somewhat" with "slightly", maintaining a similar degree of difference.

are a little smaller

Uses "a little" for a less formal, more casual indication of slight difference.

are a tad smaller

Informal and conveys a very small difference in size.

are just a bit smaller

Adds a conversational tone, emphasizing a minimal size difference.

are marginally smaller

Emphasizes that the difference in size is very slight or barely noticeable.

are barely smaller

Emphasizes how minimal the difference in size is.

are fractionally smaller

Suggests the difference is measurable but very small, almost insignificant.

are noticeably smaller

Highlights that the size difference is easily observed or apparent.

are considerably smaller

Indicates a more significant difference in size compared to "somewhat".

are relatively smaller

Focuses on the size in relation to something else, rather than an absolute difference.

FAQs

How do I use "are somewhat smaller" in a sentence?

Use "are somewhat smaller" to describe a moderate size difference between two or more items. For example, "The newer models "are somewhat smaller", making them easier to handle".

What can I say instead of "are somewhat smaller"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "are somewhat smaller"?

It's appropriate to use "are somewhat smaller" when you need to convey that something is noticeably, but not dramatically, smaller than something else. It implies a moderate difference.

Which is correct, "are somewhat smaller" or "are a lot smaller"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey different degrees of size difference. Use "are somewhat smaller" for a moderate difference, and "are a lot smaller" if the difference is considerable.