is somehow better

USAGE SUMMARY

'is somehow better' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to state a comparison that is vague, indeterminate, or uncertain. For example: "The results we got this year are somehow better than last year's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But, Foday says, it is somehow better than before.

The Guardian

Because one is somehow better than the other?

The Guardian - Tech

Utilitarianism's overall goal is deterrence, which allows pardoning guilty parties if doing so is somehow better for the community as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In America, we have this idea that design comes from Europe, at least we used to, and what they do is somehow better.

The Guardian

"Maybe it was just from colonialism, or from the common belief that what comes from outside is somehow better than what exists here".

The Guardian

Getting customers to pay is easier if the product is somehow better — or perceived as being better — than what they had received free.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I thought Americans were somehow better".

The New York Times

A little over a week ago, when the Yankees were atop the American League East, some fans wondered if the team was somehow better without its injured stars.

The New York Times

The idea that things were somehow better once upon a time is so misguided that it is amazing anyone can still buy into it.

Independent

We have never seen data to support the notion that A.P.A. internships are somehow better than California Psychology Internship Council internships.

The New York Times - Health

From this, Noakes observed that the best players did not necessarily have better eyesight, but were somehow better at interpreting the bowler's approach and angle of delivery.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is somehow better" when you want to express a vague or ill-defined sense of improvement or superiority without specifying exactly why.

Common error

Avoid using "is somehow better" too frequently, as it can weaken your argument. If possible, try to identify and articulate the specific reasons for the improvement instead of relying on the vague "somehow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somehow better" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that one thing is superior to another in some unspecified or poorly understood way. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is somehow better" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to indicate a vague or ill-defined sense of improvement or superiority. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it's crucial to use it judiciously, as overuse can dilute the strength of your writing. If possible, strive to provide specific reasons for any claimed improvement rather than relying on the ambiguity of "somehow". Consider using more precise alternatives such as "is noticeably improved" or "offers significant advantages" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is seemingly better

Focuses on the appearance of being better, without confirming it.

is apparently superior

Similar to 'seemingly better', focusing on outward indications.

is arguably superior

Emphasizes that the superiority is debatable or based on opinion.

is debatably better

Highlights the debatable nature of the comparison.

is purportedly better

Suggests the superiority is claimed but not necessarily proven.

is allegedly better

Implies uncertainty or skepticism about the claimed superiority.

is ostensibly better

Indicates the superiority is apparent but possibly not real.

is conceivably better

Indicates a possibility of being better.

is potentially better

Highlights the potential for being better, but not guaranteed.

is conceivably superior

Indicates possibility of being better in power or status.

FAQs

How can I use "is somehow better" in a sentence?

Use "is somehow better" to express a vague or uncertain sense of improvement or superiority. For example, "The new version "is somehow better" than the old one, although I can't explain why".

What's a more precise alternative to "is somehow better"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "is noticeably improved", "offers significant advantages", or "provides clearer results". The best choice depends on the specific reasons for the improvement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is somehow better"?

Yes, "is somehow better" is grammatically correct. The word "somehow" modifies "better" to indicate that the reason for the improvement is not clearly defined or understood.

What's the difference between "is better" and "is somehow better"?

"Is better" implies a definite and demonstrable improvement. "Is somehow better" suggests the improvement exists but isn't easily explained or quantified. The latter adds an element of uncertainty.