but only somewhat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only somewhat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a partial agreement or a limited extent of something. Example: "I enjoyed the movie, but only somewhat, as the plot was predictable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But only somewhat.

The New York Times

But only somewhat less.

The New York Times

The why matters, but only somewhat.

The New York Times

Minimalist composers and sampling artists are related, but only somewhat.

The New Yorker

In fact, he's changing that somewhat, but only somewhat.

The New Yorker

A: Mrs. Clinton's candidacy is at stake, but only somewhat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

They are like maps we've drawn up after traveling to places that were somewhat like this new territory we entered--but only somewhat like them.

Huffington Post

Read together, the two cases suggest that the rights of unmarried couples and LGBTQ people will be expanded-but only somewhat-by Obergefell and that the right to family reunification qualifes as a "right of marriage" under the Constitution.

Duke University

Mr. Jackson is not only somewhat tarnished, but also reclusive.

The New York Times

Only somewhat.

The New York Times

People who read "lots" and fiction "lots" outscore those who read "lots" but fiction only "somewhat" or "not much".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but only somewhat", ensure the contrast you're making is clear. It works best when directly following a statement that implies a greater degree of change or agreement. For example, "The policy improved morale, but only somewhat, as many employees still felt underpaid."

Common error

Avoid using "but only somewhat" when the initial statement already implies a minor effect. This can make the sentence redundant or awkward. For instance, instead of saying "The adjustment helped a little, but only somewhat", simply state "The adjustment helped a little."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only somewhat" functions as a qualifying conjunctional phrase. It connects two clauses, where the second clause limits or diminishes the impact of the first. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase introduces a nuanced perspective, acknowledging a certain degree of validity while simultaneously setting boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but only somewhat" is a versatile phrase used to express a qualified or limited agreement. Grammatically sound and common in both news, scientific, and business contexts, it serves to temper expectations and provide a balanced perspective. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of this phrase. When writing, ensure you're using it to appropriately moderate a statement rather than creating redundancy. Mastering this phrase enhances your ability to convey precision and avoid overstatements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not entirely

Emphasizes the incompleteness of the action or state, differing in directness.

but to a limited extent

More formal and emphasizes the restriction of the action's impact.

but just a little

Less formal and highlights the small degree of change or effect.

but not quite completely

Adds emphasis to the lack of full completion.

but only partially

Focuses on the fractional nature of the impact or change.

but only in part

Highlights that the condition applies to only a section or aspect.

but only marginally

Stresses the small degree to which something is affected or changed.

but only slightly

Emphasizes the minimal degree of difference or change.

but only nominally

Suggests that the change or effect exists more in name than in reality.

but only superficially

Implies that the change is limited to the surface and does not penetrate deeply.

FAQs

How can I use "but only somewhat" in a sentence?

Use "but only somewhat" to indicate that while something is true to some extent, it is not entirely or fully true. For example: "The new software improved efficiency, "but only somewhat", as some users still experienced glitches."

What are some alternatives to "but only somewhat"?

Alternatives include "not entirely", "to a limited extent", or "only partially". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "but only somewhat" or "but not entirely"?

Both "but only somewhat" and "but not entirely" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context. "But only somewhat" is generally more informal than "but not entirely".

What does "but only somewhat" imply about the degree of change or effect?

"But only somewhat" implies that the change or effect is present but limited in scope or impact. It suggests that while there is some alteration, it is not significant or complete.