somewhat distracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat distracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of partial attention or focus, indicating that someone is not fully engaged or is preoccupied with something else. Example: "During the meeting, I felt somewhat distracted by the noise coming from outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The third, Toei, has kept on making films but has become somewhat distracted by property development.

The Economist

Roden presides over the tastings with an indulgent, if somewhat distracted, calm.

The New Yorker

Although Larsson comes off as a kind, if somewhat distracted, partner, Gabrielsson makes it clear that he, like Lisbeth Salander, "never forgave.

The New York Times - Books

Near the middle of the first act, Julian arrives for a visit, with his somewhat distracted bride, Lily (Ivy Vahanian), in tow.

The New Yorker

Ronaldo's pride in fatherhood, and his method of publicizing the fact, is pretty much his own affair, though the timing might explain his somewhat distracted performances in South Africa.

The New York Times - Sports

The movie's protagonist, Chris, a photographer, has a somewhat distracted, idealized yet tense air, especially as compared to his best friend, Rod (Lil Rel Howery), a T.S.A. agent who's much more practical, streetwise, and freewheeling.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But Mr. Levine was right that any kind of titling system is somewhat distracting.

The New York Times - Arts

Watching the barefoot actors balancing on the slopes is somewhat distracting.

The Guardian

"As little kids, they were somewhat distracting to have around on the tours, but, with my great wife, a comfort.

The New Yorker

All this is better understood when not closely examined; once a reader gets accustomed, it is only somewhat distracting.

The New York Times - Books

I pulled out my notebook and began scribbling – although it was somewhat distracting to see familiar School of Education faces from, in some cases, three decades ago.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "somewhat distracted", provide context about the cause of their distraction to give a fuller picture. For example, "She seemed somewhat distracted, likely due to the upcoming deadline."

Common error

Avoid making "somewhat distracted" a defining characteristic without exploring deeper reasons. Show, don't just tell, the causes and effects of the distraction to make it believable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat distracted" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state of attention. Ludwig examples show it describing people, performances, and even abstract entities like a power or a culture. The AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat distracted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a mild lack of focus or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's often used in news and media to describe people or entities that are not fully engaged, and can be replaced with alternatives like "slightly preoccupied" or "mildly inattentive" to add nuance. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context and avoid overusing it as a defining character trait.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unfocused

Highlights the lack of a clear focal point for attention.

mildly inattentive

Focuses on the lack of attention itself, quantifying it as mild.

slightly preoccupied

Emphasizes a prior engagement of attention rather than a general lack of focus.

a little preoccupied

Like "slightly preoccupied", this focuses on attention being drawn elsewhere.

partially engrossed

Indicates a divided attention, where one is only partly absorbed.

slightly diverted

Highlights that the attention has been turned away, but not fully.

a little absent-minded

Suggests a habitual tendency to be forgetful or inattentive.

somewhat detached

Suggests an emotional or mental distance that leads to inattentiveness.

a bit scatterbrained

Implies disorganization and a tendency to jump between thoughts.

kind of out of it

A more informal way of saying someone is not fully present.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat distracted" to describe a person's state of mind, indicating that they are not fully focused. For example, "He seemed "somewhat distracted" during the meeting, possibly due to a personal issue."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat distracted"?

Alternatives include "slightly preoccupied", "mildly inattentive", or "somewhat unfocused", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "somewhat distracted"?

Yes, "somewhat distracted" is grammatically correct. The word "somewhat" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "distracted", indicating a degree of distraction.

What's the difference between "somewhat distracted" and "very distracted"?

"Somewhat distracted" implies a mild or partial lack of focus, while "very distracted" suggests a significant lack of focus. The choice depends on the degree of inattentiveness you want to describe.