somewhat better

USAGE SUMMARY

"somewhat better" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that improved but not completely. For example, "After taking some time off, I'm feeling somewhat better about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things are somewhat better now.

The New York Times

Mr Serra was somewhat better.

The Economist

We also chose somewhat better.

The New York Times

Limelight did somewhat better.

The New York Times

"It's somewhat better than before.

The New York Times

Foreign automakers fared somewhat better.

The New York Times

Still, somewhat better times may be ahead.

The New York Times

The smaller rooms are somewhat better.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, he felt somewhat better now.

The New Yorker

Its executives, however, are somewhat better off.

The New York Times

The economic situation is somewhat better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "somewhat better" to indicate that one option is preferable, but not dramatically so. For example, "While both candidates have strengths, her experience makes her somewhat better suited for the role."

Common error

While "somewhat better" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to quantify the degree of improvement, such as "significantly better" or "marginally better", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat better" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is improved or superior to a moderate degree. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase qualifies a situation, object, or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat better" is a versatile comparative phrase that effectively conveys a moderate degree of improvement or superiority. Ludwig AI data shows it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific publications. While it's appropriate for many situations, be mindful of overusing it in highly formal contexts where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives such as "slightly improved" or "marginally superior" can offer greater nuance depending on the specific context. This guide provides practical insights for using "somewhat better" effectively and avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat improved

Focuses on the act of improving more than the state of being better.

Slightly improved

Implies a small degree of enhancement; focuses on the act of improving.

A bit better

A more informal way of saying something is slightly improved.

A little better

Similar to "a bit better" but slightly less casual.

Marginally superior

Highlights the aspect of being better, but only by a small margin; more formal.

A shade better

Implies a very subtle difference in quality or condition.

A touch better

Similar to "a shade better", suggesting a minimal degree of improvement.

Moderately enhanced

Suggests a more noticeable level of improvement than "somewhat"; slightly more formal.

Noticeably better

Emphasizes the perceptibility of the improvement.

Slightly more advantageous

Focuses on the benefits or advantages gained from the improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat better" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat better" to describe a situation that has improved to a moderate degree. For example, "After the revisions, the report is "somewhat better" than the initial draft."

What are some alternatives to using "somewhat better"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slightly improved", "a bit better", or "marginally superior". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the precise degree of improvement you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "somewhat better" or "significantly better"?

"Somewhat better" indicates a moderate level of improvement, while "significantly better" suggests a substantial or considerable improvement. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of difference you are describing.

What's the difference between "somewhat better" and "slightly better"?

"Somewhat better" and "slightly better" are quite similar, both indicating a small degree of improvement. "Somewhat" may imply a slightly more noticeable difference than "slightly", but in many cases, they are interchangeable.