somewhat as though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat as though" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a comparison or similarity in a nuanced way, often indicating a degree of uncertainty or approximation. Example: "Her explanation was somewhat as though she were trying to simplify a complex topic for a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By using the propensity technique, we were able to compare hospital mortality rates in matched patients with and without RRT, having a close probability of receiving RRT (somewhat as though RRT had been 'randomly assigned').

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As you can see from the video demo segment, the HD video quality is very nice (the vertical pan is somewhat shaky though, as is to be expected shooting freehand).

TechCrunch

Whereas D0067 was similar to dunce1 in not being distracted by the competing visual stimulus, D0264, also a strong responder to the optomotor stimulus, was somewhat distractible, though not as strongly as wild type (a 37% attenuation versus 78% in wild type) (Figure 2C).

Plosone

As a result, tolerance for side effects that may emerge due to inhibition of other kinase targets is somewhat low (though not as low as would be required for diseases requiring life-long treatment).

Chemical Reviews

Cleveland's victory proved to be somewhat Pyrrhic, though, as the country soon plunged into an economic depression that he struggled to overcome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mostly, the article seems to be about neuromorphic processors — computer processors that are organized to be somewhat brainlike — though, as the piece points out, they have been around since the nineteen-eighties.

The New Yorker

K. was successful in getting his itinerary changed somewhat though not as much as he wanted.

The New Yorker

But the Adams who wore his colossal learning heavily — who was the real education President, believing in the interdependence of liberty and literacy — appears somewhat grudgingly, as though the author (or his publisher) feared that a seminar on the English liberal-republican tradition might be too indigestible a dish for the common reader.

The New Yorker

He exchanges a look with his wife that is both knowing and somewhat patronizing, as though his ignorance of the piece proved its lack of worth.

Vice

Germany's reluctance to issue the euro bonds has diminished somewhat, though, as the crisis has intensified.

The New York Times

That concern might get diluted somewhat, though, as sources familiar with the deal told the Journal that the cable companies would be able to purchase wholesale access and resell it on their own.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat as though" to introduce a comparison that is not exact, indicating a degree of approximation or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat as though" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "kind of like" or "sort of" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat as though" functions as a comparative connector, introducing a comparison that is not exact. It softens the comparison, indicating a degree of approximation or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat as though" serves as a comparative connector, employed to draw parallels with a hint of approximation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, although its usage frequency is rare. It appears most commonly in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it softens the comparison and is most appropriate when the resemblance isn't exact. Consider alternatives like "kind of like" or "rather as if" in different contexts. Be mindful of overusing formal comparisons in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of like

More informal and direct.

rather as if

Slightly more formal and literary.

in a way that suggests

More verbose and explanatory.

to some extent like

Emphasizes the partial similarity.

something along the lines of

Indicates an approximation or general idea.

in a manner resembling

Formal and emphasizes resemblance.

as if it were

Implies a hypothetical comparison.

approximating the effect of

Focuses on the resulting effect.

giving the impression of

Highlights the perceived impression.

ostensibly

Indicates a surface-level similarity that may not be entirely accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat as though" in a sentence?

Use "somewhat as though" to introduce a comparison that isn't exact, showing a degree of approximation. Example: "Her explanation was "somewhat as though" she were simplifying a complex topic for a child".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat as though"?

Consider using alternatives like "kind of like", "rather as if", or "in a way that suggests" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "somewhat as though"?

It is suitable in contexts where you want to draw a comparison but acknowledge that it's not a perfect or complete analogy. It works well in formal writing or when precision is needed.

What's the difference between "somewhat as though" and "as though"?

"As though" implies a stronger sense of similarity or resemblance, while "somewhat as though" indicates a more tentative or partial comparison. "Somewhat" softens the comparison, making it less direct.