somewhat big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat big" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is larger than average but not excessively so, indicating a moderate size. Example: "The box was somewhat big, making it difficult to fit into the car trunk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Certain items unlock at various points in the game — new furniture, the ability to add on to your house, etc. — and there are just enough people to talk to and places to see to make it feel like a somewhat "big" game without making it unwieldy to play on the iPhone's screen.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A T.L.C. spokesperson said, "This was somewhat bigger than anticipated".

The New Yorker

"Fifteen to 18.8 percent is not a big deal; 23.8 is somewhat bigger.

The New York Times

After I signed on, we could get a somewhat bigger budget.

The New Yorker

Somewhat bigger cracks, in brackets close to the central part of the wings, were discovered last month.

Independent

Newer "open" scanners can accommodate somewhat bigger patients, but even they have size limits.

The New York Times

"One surprise is that many older stars are somewhat bigger than we had previously thought".

The New York Times - Science

I am categorically not going to buy clothes that aren't maternity, but just somewhat bigger than my regular clothes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a more directly suggestive, somewhat bigger sense, I see pi decimals as the definitive enigma: secret, cold, eternal.

The Guardian

Homes that are even larger or in better condition or on somewhat bigger lots range up to $700,000.

The New York Times

America in 1776 was a rural land, mainly composed of small farmers and, in the South, somewhat bigger farmers with slaves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat big" to indicate that something is larger than average, but not exceptionally so. This phrase is best suited when a more precise measurement isn't necessary or available.

Common error

While "somewhat big" is acceptable, it can sound less professional in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "moderately large" or "relatively significant" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat big" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's size is greater than average but not extremely large. Ludwig shows that this phrase is generally used to provide a qualitative assessment of size.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Somewhat big" is a phrase used to describe something that is larger than average, but not exceptionally large. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct but relatively rare. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but can also appear in scientific and general writing. While acceptable in many situations, it's advisable to use more precise or formal alternatives like "moderately large" or "relatively significant" in professional settings. The key is to ensure the level of formality aligns with the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately large

Emphasizes the size aspect with a neutral tone, suggesting a size that is more than average but not excessively so.

relatively large

Highlights that the size is significant in comparison to something else, focusing on the comparative aspect.

fairly substantial

Indicates a considerable amount or size, suggesting something that is more than just adequate.

reasonably sized

Implies that the size is appropriate or acceptable for a given purpose or context.

kind of large

Offers a more casual way to express that something is bigger than expected, with a less formal tone.

slightly sizable

Emphasizes that something is noticeable but not significantly large, pointing to a moderate increase in size.

a bit bulky

Focuses on the mass or volume of something, suggesting it is cumbersome or takes up considerable space.

noticeably expanded

Highlights the aspect of growth or increase in size, drawing attention to the change rather than the absolute size.

somewhat extensive

Indicates that something covers a large area or scope, focusing on the extent rather than the physical size.

marginally immense

Combines a sense of vastness with a touch of understatement, suggesting something is very large but not overwhelmingly so.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat big" to describe something that's larger than average but not excessively so. For example, "The box was somewhat big, making it difficult to fit into the car trunk."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat big"?

Alternatives include "moderately large", "relatively large", or "fairly substantial" depending on the specific context.

Is "somewhat big" formal or informal?

"Somewhat big" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "moderately large" or "relatively significant".

What does "somewhat big" imply about the size of something?

It implies that the item in question is larger than average but not excessively so. It suggests a moderate degree of largeness.