somewhat above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a position or level that is slightly higher than a reference point. Example: "The temperature today is somewhat above the average for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Customers spend the equivalent of $2.50 to $3.50 per visit, a price point that puts KFC way above street vendors and local restaurants and even somewhat above other fast-food chains.

Harvard Business Review

Despite the book's title, then, the sample does not represent all young adults who were reared Catholic but rather a group that appears somewhat above average in education and exposure to church life.

The New York Times

Total sales, meanwhile, are projected to be "somewhat above" $18 billion, which analysts say would put them slightly ahead of last year's annual revenue.

Forbes

He summarized, "Overall, this simulation is somewhat above average".

Wikipedia

The Australian Official War Historian, Charles Bean, described Weir as being "somewhat above average in years" for a battalion commander.

Wikipedia

"The fact that you have the combination of a young skew with a somewhat above average income is a sweet spot for marketers or advertisers," Lipsman added.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Obama had a somewhat above-average day in national polls on Tuesday, which had him up in the race by about one percentage point on average.

The New York Times

Our analysis of the trend lines in the polls suggest that they have been a somewhat above-average group for Mr. Obama, perhaps suggesting a percentage point or so of improvement for him.

The New York Times

The only way the Fed might accomplish more is by changing expectations — specifically, by leading people to believe that we will have somewhat above-normal inflation over the next few years, which would reduce the incentive to sit on cash.

The New York Times

These results showed high scores for Metamason in the area of design, and suggested that the company has taken on a somewhat above-average amount of risk for a first-time startup.

HuffPost

In our survey at three settings that were typical for Japanese health care and offering Kampo, the responding patients were predominantly female and of somewhat above-average education.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat above" to indicate a quantity, level, or position that is slightly higher than a specific reference point, without implying a large or significant difference. This conveys precision and avoids exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat above" when the difference is actually substantial. Choose a stronger term like "significantly above" or "considerably higher" to accurately reflect the magnitude of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat above" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to qualify adjectives or adverbs. It indicates a degree or extent that is slightly greater than a specified reference point. This is reflected in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat above" is a useful and grammatically sound way to express that something is slightly higher than a certain point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and business, offering a balanced and precise way to communicate without exaggerating differences. The examples show its versatility in describing everything from prices and temperatures to poll numbers and scientific measurements. Remember to use it when you want to indicate a moderate degree of difference and avoid it when the difference is substantial. Consider using synonyms like "slightly higher than" or "a bit over" for slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly higher than

This alternative uses more direct and common vocabulary to convey a small degree of elevation or excess.

Somewhat exceeding

Similar to "somewhat above" but focuses on the action of surpassing a certain value or threshold.

A bit over

This option is more informal and conversational, suggesting a marginal excess in quantity or degree.

Somewhat in excess

This phrase is more often used in business and financial contexts.

Marginally exceeding

This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of surpassing a certain limit or level by a small amount.

A touch higher than

Emphasizes that the amount is only barely higher than the defined value.

Just a little beyond

This alternative highlights the minimal distance or difference above a specified point.

Slightly in excess of

Focuses on being negligibly beyond a certain limit.

Moderately higher

Implies a more noticeable, yet still not substantial, increase or elevation.

A shade above

This option employs a more figurative expression to indicate a very slight difference.

FAQs

What does "somewhat above" mean?

The phrase "somewhat above" indicates that something is slightly higher, more, or greater than a given point or standard. It suggests a moderate degree of difference.

How to use "somewhat above" in a sentence?

Use "somewhat above" to describe a level, quantity, or position that is slightly higher than a reference point. For example: "The price is "slightly higher than" last year's average."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat above"?

Alternatives to "somewhat above" include "slightly higher than", "a bit over", or "marginally exceeding". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat above" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat above" is suitable for formal writing. While not overly formal, it is a clear and professional way to indicate a slight increase or excess. However, ensure that the context calls for a description of something being only moderately higher.