somewhat dull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat dull" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It means moderately boring or uninteresting. Example: "The lecture on astrophysics was somewhat dull, but the presentation on black holes was fascinating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

SOLID, squeaky clean and somewhat dull.

The Economist

Ankara, in central Anatolia, is somewhat dull and industrial.

The New Yorker

As selling shoes became profitable but somewhat dull, Mr. Roman started pursuing his teenage dream.

The New York Times

Even with such talent on offer, the contest itself may well prove a somewhat dull, obscure affair.

The New York Times

But the rice needed better seasoning, and its blandness left both the plain and the many fancy rolls somewhat dull.

The New York Times

Yet balance and symmetry applied as inviolate design principles would result in very formal, very traditional, and somewhat dull interiors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This year's free-agent class has a somewhat duller marquee than in past summers, featuring Keon Clark, Raef LaFrentz, Bonzi Wells, Donyell Marshall and Bryon Russell.

The New York Times - Sports

Coach Bruce Boudreau and the team's captain, Alex Ovechkin, embraced a defense-first philosophy that transformed the exciting, attacking Capitals into a somewhat duller team.

The New York Times - Sports

PPR (Gucci's somewhat duller parent brand) reports a "vision of a better world that is more sustainable – economically, socially and ecologically – than the world we know and live in today".

The Guardian

Earlier this month that was the scene at the Westport Country Playhouse, a fabled monument to summer stock whose glittering past has been somewhat dulled by a recent string of lackluster seasons.

The New York Times

However, those successes were somewhat dulled by "R.I.P.D.," an expensive sci-fi picture that tanked at the box office.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat dull" when you want to express that something is not very exciting or interesting, but avoid stronger negative terms. It's suitable for formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat dull" when describing something that requires vivid and engaging language. Opt for more descriptive adjectives to capture the reader's attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat dull" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns or pronouns to indicate a moderate level of boredom or lack of excitement. As Ludwig explains, it's usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat dull" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that lacks excitement or interest. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While often used in news and media, it also appears in encyclopedias and wiki articles. Related phrases include "slightly uninteresting" and "a bit boring", offering alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. When writing, it's best to use "somewhat dull" to provide a nuanced critique, but be mindful of overuse in highly descriptive contexts. The phrase has a neutral register, making it appropriate for various audiences and situations. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ this phrase. Based on the data available, its frequency is considered common, showcasing its wide applicability in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly uninteresting

Replaces "dull" with a synonym, emphasizing a mild lack of interest.

a bit boring

Uses a more common synonym for "dull" making it less formal.

rather tedious

Focuses on the monotonous aspect of the subject.

mildly unexciting

Highlights the absence of excitement associated with the subject.

somewhat lackluster

Emphasizes the lack of energy or vibrancy.

slightly monotonous

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the subject.

a little bland

Suggests a lack of distinctive character or flavor.

fairly uninspired

Indicates a lack of originality or creativity.

passably uneventful

Stresses the absence of significant events or occurrences.

moderately humdrum

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of excitement.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat dull" to describe things that are not particularly interesting or exciting. For example, "The meeting was "somewhat dull", but it had some important information".

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

"Somewhat dull" implies a mild lack of interest, while "very dull" suggests a stronger, more pronounced lack of excitement. "Somewhat" indicates a lesser degree compared to "very".

What are some synonyms for "somewhat dull"?

Alternatives include "slightly uninteresting", "a bit boring", or "rather tedious", each offering a slightly different nuance in describing a lack of excitement.

Is "somewhat dull" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat dull" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more precise or descriptive adjective might be preferable. You could replace it with terms like "mildly unexciting".