is somewhat better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is somewhat better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a slight improvement or advantage over something else. Example: "After making some adjustments, the new design is somewhat better than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The economic situation is somewhat better.

The New York Times

Thirty-five years later it is somewhat better, though still far from perfect.

The New Yorker

"The new version is somewhat better than the old, but it's vague.

The New York Times

Just because a population is somewhat better off, it does not automatically become more docile.

Independent

The Sanyo design, with a 2.2-inch screen, is somewhat better.

The New York Times

Change in unemployment rate is somewhat better, but it's sister statistic, job growth, is far better.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result is useful, a source of enormous profits, and the world is somewhat better off for it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'd have to say the Obama administration is somewhat better, but not enough to make an appreciable difference.

The New Yorker

The data is somewhat better than December, when 43 states reported higher unemployment rates, but worse than November, when rates fell in most states.

The New York Times

The horses, as one might expect in Tunis, in the spring, were a very ordinary lot; in winter the quality of Tunisian racing is somewhat better.

The New Yorker

Elliot Cowan is somewhat better, but he has scant grip on Macbeth's character, lurching between mild scaredy-cat and macho hollering.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "is somewhat better" to acknowledge a slight but noticeable advantage without overstating the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "is somewhat better" when the difference is substantial; instead, use phrases like "is significantly better" or "is much better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat better" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to indicate a moderate degree of improvement over something else. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is somewhat better" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a moderate degree of improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It functions as a comparative adjective phrase, providing a balanced assessment without exaggeration. While suitable for neutral and professional registers, its usage extends to informal settings as well. Common alternatives include "is slightly improved" and "is a bit better". The key is to avoid overstating the improvement and choose a phrase that accurately reflects the degree of difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is marginally superior

Emphasizes a very slight degree of improvement.

is a shade better

Uses a more informal and figurative expression.

is slightly improved

Focuses on the process of becoming better.

is a bit better

A simpler and more colloquial way to express slight improvement.

represents a modest improvement

Highlights that the improvement is not significant.

is somewhat superior

Similar in meaning, but uses "superior" instead of "better".

shows a mild enhancement

More formal and technical, suitable for scientific contexts.

is fractionally ahead

Implies a small lead or advantage.

is negligibly better

Suggests the improvement is so small it's almost insignificant.

is incrementally better

Emphasizes that the improvement is gradual.

FAQs

How do I use "is somewhat better" in a sentence?

Use "is somewhat better" to express a slight improvement or advantage. For example: "The new version "is somewhat better" than the old one, but it's still not perfect."

What are some alternatives to "is somewhat better"?

You can use alternatives like "is slightly improved", "is a bit better", or "is marginally superior" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is somewhat better" or "is somewhat good"?

"Is somewhat better" is the correct phrasing for comparison. "Is somewhat good" is grammatically correct but less precise; consider alternatives like "is fairly good" or "is reasonably good".

What's the difference between "is somewhat better" and "is much better"?

"Is somewhat better" indicates a small improvement, while "is much better" suggests a significant or substantial difference. The choice depends on the degree of improvement you want to convey.