somewhat

USAGE SUMMARY

'somewhat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give an answer that is not a definite yes or no. For example, "The weather will be somewhat cloudy tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

"The idea that students should seek permission for protest action somewhat misses the point of an occupation action.

The Guardian

Xosar has risen in stature as a figurehead of a somewhat cosmic live hardware scene, self-releasing records with titles such as Psychick Justice, while simultaneously checking in with a plethora of tastemaker labels.

The Guardian - Music

But the site's credibility was undermined somewhat when Monster's Patty Jenkins was last night revealed to have taken the job.

The Guardian - Film

The situations are somewhat different (although not by much, some would argue).

The Guardian

A car is a must for exploring this somewhat sprawling island, and handy for picking up groceries to cook in the cottage kitchens – taking taxis will put a good dent in your budget.

The Guardian - Travel

The works, which he trailed on his Instagram account last night, include one piece which somewhat resembles Rodin's sculpture The Thinker, with the figure's hand gone from thoughtfully supporting his face to covering it in despair – or perhaps Niobe, the classical figure weeping for the loss of her children.

The Guardian - Arts

Or when she started making out with a somewhat surprised Bono?

The Guardian - Film

Then Snoop himself emerges in the guise of his recent dancehall reggae persona Snoop Lion for a laid-back rendition of Here Comes The King that suggests he's somewhat subdued by something.

The Guardian - Music

Fitzpatrick said he was "somewhat confused by looking at the explanations for the price rises over the past three or four weeks because we do not see really the same impact, especially in wholesale commodity prices.

The Guardian - Business

We shouldn't be surprised to see growth moderate somewhat from the very robust rate in the preceding quarter.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat" to soften statements or express a degree of uncertainty. For instance, instead of saying "The project was successful", you might say "The project was somewhat successful" to indicate a partial success.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "somewhat" in formal contexts where precision is key. While it can soften statements, overuse can make your writing seem vague or indecisive. Consider stronger, more direct language for clarity and impact.

How to use

Learn how to use "somewhat" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "somewhat" functions primarily as a modifier, indicating a degree or extent. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable status in written English. It serves to soften claims, expressing that something is true or exists to a limited extent, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat" functions as an adverb to express a moderate degree or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this adverb serves to qualify statements, adding nuance and softening claims. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse, especially in formal contexts where precision is paramount. Alternatives like "slightly", "moderately", or "to some extent" can provide greater specificity when needed. Its correct and widespread use makes "somewhat" a valuable tool for expressing measured assessments and qualified opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to some extent

Expresses a partial degree or limitation.

to a degree

Indicates a certain level or measure.

rather

Implies a moderate degree or qualification.

slightly

Denotes a small amount or degree.

moderately

Suggests a balanced or average level.

relatively

Indicates a comparison or proportion.

partially

Implies only a portion or aspect is affected.

in part

Expresses a contribution or involvement that is not whole.

kind of

An informal way to express a moderate degree.

sort of

Similar to "kind of", indicating approximation.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat" in a sentence?

"Somewhat" is used to indicate a moderate degree or extent. For example, "The movie was "somewhat" entertaining" means it was partially, but not entirely, entertaining.

What are some alternatives to "somewhat"?

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

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

"Somewhat" indicates a moderate degree, while "very" indicates a high degree. Use "somewhat" when you want to express a partial or limited extent, and "very" when you want to emphasize a high degree or intensity.

Can "somewhat" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat" is appropriate in formal writing, but avoid overusing it. In some contexts, more precise language might be preferable to avoid vagueness. The adverb "rather" is often used as a substitute.