is somewhat feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is somewhat feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, lacking strength, or not very convincing. Example: "The argument presented in the debate is somewhat feeble and fails to address the main points effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The McKay Commission proposes a fourth answer which, however, is somewhat feeble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's pretty feeble and doesn't trouble M'Bolhi unduly.

The Guardian - Sport

It may be somewhat homely and quite feeble, but had it not existed, neither would Mazda as we know it.

BBC

However, by the late 90s, interest had waned due to a feeble and rather late sophomore effort and a slew of poor solo follow-ups; the Wu star was somewhat fading.

Vice

Its song was somewhat, somewhat erased.

The New Yorker

"It's somewhat ironic.

The New York Times

First, the methods are based on procedures proper to analysing latent variables [ 51], rather than the somewhat feeble data reduction methods such as PCA.

BMC Geriatrics

She is commendably outspoken, for example, on Iran's nuclear programme and its threats against Israel (though also somewhat feeble in her attitude towards Vladimir Putin's increasingly pushy Russia).

The Economist

Based on Carson McCullers's 1941 short novel about homosexuality, self-mutilation, and fetishism on an army base in the South, Taylor's Leonora Penderton is a sexually avaricious and somewhat "feeble-minded" wife to Captain Penderton (Marlon Brando), a repressed gay army officer who not only refuses to sleep with her but despises those aspects of her body that remain a convict's dream.

The New Yorker

A quick string of somewhat feeble compliments should do it.

The Guardian

Better stuff from Federer, meanwhile, coming into the net and smashing a somewhat feeble lob attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is somewhat feeble", ensure the context provides a clear comparison or expectation against which the weakness is judged. This adds depth and clarity to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "is somewhat feeble" when the subject is genuinely strong or powerful. Overstating the weakness can undermine your credibility and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat feeble" functions as a subjective assessment, qualifying a noun. It expresses a mild degree of weakness or ineffectiveness. Ludwig examples illustrate usage in describing arguments, attempts, or actions lacking impact. It is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is somewhat feeble" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a mild degree of weakness or ineffectiveness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure you provide a clear point of comparison to enhance understanding. Related phrases like "is rather weak" and "is a bit flimsy" offer similar, nuanced alternatives. The phrase is best suited for situations where a tempered critique is desired, avoiding overstatement or hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly feeble

Replaces 'somewhat' with 'fairly,' maintaining a similar degree of weakness, but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

is rather weak

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness to a slightly higher degree than the original phrase.

is a touch weak

Indicates a mild degree of weakness, softening the overall assertion with the word 'touch'.

is a bit flimsy

Highlights the insubstantial or unconvincing nature of something, implying it is easily challenged or broken.

is slightly inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or deficiency of something, suggesting it does not meet the required standards.

is somewhat ineffective

Directly addresses the lack of desired results or outcomes, pinpointing its unproductiveness.

is a little unconvincing

Implies a lack of persuasiveness or credibility, indicating that it fails to inspire belief.

is marginally deficient

Suggests a subtle imperfection or shortcoming, indicating a minor flaw.

is relatively frail

Suggests that something is delicate and easily damaged, emphasizing its vulnerability.

is moderately unpersuasive

Indicates that something lacks the ability to convince effectively, adding a degree of intensity with 'moderately'.

FAQs

What does "is somewhat feeble" mean?

The phrase "is somewhat feeble" means something is rather weak, lacking strength, or not very effective. It implies a degree of inadequacy without being completely dismissive.

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

You can use "is somewhat feeble" to describe an argument, an attempt, or a performance that lacks impact. For example, "The argument presented in the meeting is somewhat feeble and doesn't address the core issue."

What can I say instead of "is somewhat feeble"?

You can use alternatives like "is rather weak", "is a bit flimsy", or "is slightly inadequate" depending on the context.

Is "is somewhat feeble" a formal or informal expression?

"Is somewhat feeble" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it might be more common in neutral to slightly formal writing. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when using it.