somewhat extreme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat extreme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately or partially extreme in nature or degree. Example: "The proposed changes to the policy are somewhat extreme, considering the current circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The image of a female nibbling a man's innards is somewhat extreme.

The New York Times - Arts

Western women's lives on TV, she told me, seemed somewhat extreme.

The New Yorker

Isn't rooting around in rubbish bins a somewhat extreme – and unpleasant – reaction?

The Guardian

Lambert admits tensions can frequently run high, even if the Magpies manager's case was somewhat extreme.

Independent

The authors label Enron a "typical -- if somewhat extreme -- example" of a company whose employment rose and fell rapidly.

The New York Times

Rules of Engagement belongs very clearly in the former category, as a somewhat extreme apologia for military conduct and thinking.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Initial reaction to Butler's announcement has been, somewhat predictably, extreme.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the new version the stereotypical caricatures of the Congolese were rendered somewhat less extreme, for instance.

The Guardian

And all of the measures see Newt Gingrich as somewhat more "extreme" than the typical presidential nominee; he comes out at 68 on the scale.

The New York Times

Somewhat more extreme — and disconcerting — is Mr. Alford's odd digression describing a game he likes to play called Touch the Waiter, in which "you see who at your table can touch the waiter the greatest number of times without the waiter's figuring out you're doing so".

The New York Times - Books

To Ms Holmes Norton, who is black, Mr Colbert said: "Do we not have more important things to do than worry about whether all of our citizens get a vote?" Against such a foil, Ms Holmes Norton could hardly help sounding reasonable.Republicans, on the other hand, tend to be flummoxed when Mr Colbert enthusiastically agrees with a point somewhat more extreme than the one they were making.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat extreme" to indicate that something is not completely over the top, but still deviates noticeably from the norm. It's a useful hedge when you want to acknowledge intensity without exaggerating.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat extreme" when describing something that is clearly and unequivocally excessive. If the situation is truly beyond the pale, a stronger descriptor is more appropriate; "somewhat extreme" will undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat extreme" primarily functions as a qualifier, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It attenuates the intensity of the adjective 'extreme', indicating a degree of extremity that is noticeable but not absolute. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat extreme" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to qualify the intensity of the adjective 'extreme'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing situations that are noticeably beyond the norm, but not to the highest degree. It is particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a versatile and neutral register. Remember to use it when you want to acknowledge intensity without exaggerating, and avoid it when the situation is clearly and unequivocally excessive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately extreme

Indicates a middle-ground level of extremity, balancing between slight and excessive.

fairly extreme

Highlights that something is extreme to a considerable degree, but not entirely.

relatively extreme

Emphasizes that the extremity is in relation to something else, not absolute.

rather extreme

Similar to 'fairly', this shows that something is notably extreme.

slightly extreme

Indicates a minor degree of extremity, suggesting it's barely beyond the normal.

kind of extreme

A more informal way of saying something is somewhat bordering on extreme.

marginally extreme

Suggests a minimal amount of extremity, almost negligible.

somewhat excessive

Focuses on the 'excess' aspect, implying a bit too much rather than purely 'extreme'.

somewhat drastic

Emphasizes the abruptness or severity of the action, not necessarily its extremity in all senses.

somewhat radical

Highlights deviation from the norm, focusing on the novelty and departure rather than intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat extreme" to describe actions, opinions, or situations that are more intense or severe than usual, but not to the highest degree. For example, "His reaction was "somewhat extreme", given the circumstances".

What can I say instead of "somewhat extreme"?

You can use alternatives like "moderately extreme", "fairly extreme", or "relatively extreme", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat extreme" a formal or informal phrase?

"Somewhat extreme" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation than on the phrase itself.

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

"Somewhat extreme" indicates a moderate degree of extremity, while "very extreme" suggests a much higher level of intensity or severity. The former implies a partial deviation from the norm, while the latter suggests a significant departure.