is somewhat uncanny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is somewhat uncanny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is strange or eerie in a way that evokes a sense of unease or discomfort. Example: "The way the twins finished each other's sentences was somewhat uncanny, as if they shared a secret language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That accuracy is somewhat uncanny.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A caveat with the preceding analysis needs to be addressed: if, one wishing to select an assembler of the highest quality, were to base one's judgement solely on the standard and popular metrics (as in this Table 3), the result would be somewhat uncanny and unsatisfying.

Plosone

Leaving the convention I realized that a lot of what I'd just been through had been somewhat normal, though only in an uncanny valley kind of way, or like in a David Lynch film.

Vice

Leaving the convention I realised that a lot of what I'd just been through had been somewhat normal, though only in an uncanny valley kind of way, or like in a David Lynch film.

Vice

Its song was somewhat, somewhat erased.

The New Yorker

Why do they have to be nice?" In part, that's why the physical presence of Gharani's streaming sculpture is not quite familiar or palatable, but somewhat uncanny, spooky even.

Huffington Post

That is its uncanny achievement.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is also clearly a thing of immense, if somewhat uncanny, possibility; and not just for gaming.

The Guardian

This is the uncanny valley.

The Economist

There is an uncanny physical resemblance.

The New York Times - Sports

Noll said that Long's "judgment is absolutely uncanny".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is somewhat uncanny", ensure the context provides a clear reason why something evokes a sense of unease or strangeness. The phrase works best when there's a specific, describable element contributing to this feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "is somewhat uncanny" in contexts that are merely surprising or unexpected. The phrase is most effective when describing situations or phenomena that genuinely inspire a sense of unease or otherworldly strangeness, not just simple surprises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat uncanny" functions primarily as a descriptive predicate, modifying a subject by ascribing to it a quality of being strangely unsettling. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase qualifies resemblances, effects, or experiences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is somewhat uncanny" serves as a descriptive tool to convey a feeling of unease or strangeness, suitable for scenarios that go beyond mere oddity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in formal and neutral registers. While "uncanny" itself leans towards informal usage, the addition of "somewhat" enhances formality, making it apt for contexts where a nuanced expression of strangeness is needed. Be mindful of overuse in everyday situations; reserve it for scenarios genuinely evoking unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a bit unsettling

Replaces "uncanny" with "unsettling" and "somewhat" with "a bit", softening the intensity slightly.

is vaguely unsettling

Similar to "is a bit unsettling" but uses "vaguely" to indicate a less distinct feeling of unease.

is slightly eerie

Substitutes "uncanny" with "eerie" and "somewhat" with "slightly", maintaining a similar sense of strangeness but with a focus on the mysterious.

is rather peculiar

Replaces "uncanny" with "peculiar" and "somewhat" with "rather", suggesting something is odd or unusual.

is a little strange

Uses "strange" instead of "uncanny" and replaces "somewhat" with "a little", creating a more casual tone.

is faintly disturbing

Emphasizes the unsettling aspect by using "disturbing" instead of "uncanny" and "faintly" in place of "somewhat", indicating a subtle unease.

is slightly unnatural

Focuses on the departure from the natural or expected, using "unnatural" instead of "uncanny".

is marginally mysterious

Focuses on the mysterious aspect, replacing "uncanny" with "mysterious" and "somewhat" with "marginally", implying a slight enigma.

is faintly weird

Replaces "uncanny" with "weird", providing a more informal and colloquial alternative.

is a touch bizarre

Substitutes "uncanny" with "bizarre" and "somewhat" with "a touch", highlighting the unusual or eccentric nature.

FAQs

What does "is somewhat uncanny" mean?

The phrase "is somewhat uncanny" describes something that is strangely unsettling or mysterious. It suggests that something is not quite right or normal, evoking a sense of unease.

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

You can use "is somewhat uncanny" to describe situations, feelings, or objects that feel strangely unsettling. For example: "The resemblance between the twins "is somewhat uncanny"."

What are some alternatives to "is somewhat uncanny"?

Alternatives to "is somewhat uncanny" include phrases like "is a bit unsettling", "is slightly eerie", or "is rather peculiar". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is somewhat uncanny"?

It's appropriate to use "is somewhat uncanny" when you want to express a feeling of unease or strangeness that goes beyond simple surprise or oddity. It is fitting for describing experiences that border on the unsettling or mysterious.