is somewhat

USAGE SUMMARY

"is somewhat" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to modify the preceding adjective or verb to indicate a lesser degree of a characteristic or action. For example, "The weather today is somewhat cloudy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is somewhat dark.

The New Yorker

(This is somewhat surprising).

The New Yorker

Cannondale is somewhat unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

Nachman is somewhat jealous.

The New Yorker

Reality is somewhat different.

The New York Times

"He is somewhat impulsive".

The New York Times

Eurex's technology is somewhat dated.

The Economist

The female is somewhat smaller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Actually, "benign" is somewhat inadequate.

The New Yorker

That accuracy is somewhat uncanny.

The New York Times

"The law is somewhat cloudy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is somewhat" to introduce a degree of uncertainty or qualification. It is helpful when you want to avoid making an absolute statement, like "The data "is somewhat" inconclusive, suggesting further research is needed."

Common error

While "is somewhat" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Excessive use can weaken your writing. Opt for more precise qualifiers or stronger verbs to convey your meaning with greater impact, like "The results "are partially" explained by..." instead of "The results "is somewhat" explained by...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat" functions as a qualifier or modifier. It adjusts the intensity of an adjective or verb, indicating a moderate degree or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This usage can be observed across diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is somewhat" serves as a versatile qualifier, softening statements and introducing nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. With a 'Very common' frequency rating and widespread use across various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and academic publications, it is a valuable tool for precise communication. However, avoid overuse, and consider stronger alternatives in formal contexts to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is marginally

Indicates a very slight degree of difference or effect.

is slightly

Expresses a small degree of difference or intensity.

is moderately

Suggests a medium degree of intensity or quality.

is fairly

Indicates a reasonable or acceptable degree.

is relatively

Highlights a comparison to something else, suggesting a proportional degree.

is a bit

An informal way of saying something is slightly true or present.

is kind of

Casual way to express something is partially true or present.

is partially

Directly states that something is true or effective to some extent.

is rather

Indicates a noticeable degree or extent, often implying a subjective judgment.

borders on

Suggests that something is approaching a certain state or quality.

FAQs

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

Use "is somewhat" to express a moderate degree of a quality or characteristic. For example, "The task "is somewhat" challenging" indicates the task is not extremely difficult but requires effort.

What are some alternatives to "is somewhat"?

Alternatives include "is slightly", "is moderately", or "is relatively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Is somewhat" implies a lesser degree than "is very". Use "is somewhat" when you want to express something is partially true or present, while "is very" suggests a high degree.

Can "is somewhat" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "is somewhat" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but it's essential to avoid overuse. Consider more precise language to maintain clarity and impact, especially in academic or professional contexts.