somewhat fragile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat fragile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very strong or is easily damaged, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The relationship between the two countries is somewhat fragile, requiring careful diplomacy to maintain peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Even before the CNN interview, De Klerk's legacy was somewhat fragile.

The New York Times

The soybean hypocotyl, the plant part that breaks through the soil surface during soybean emergence, is somewhat fragile.

Cornell University

Toscanini, Furtwängler, Walter, Beecham had all gone, but some of their younger contemporaries were still highly visible, if somewhat fragile.

The Guardian - Music

The GOI believes the coup was an "internal struggle," she said, speculating that the junta may be somewhat fragile.

The Guardian

Grady Little had gone with his slender, somewhat fragile ace who has won 166 games in the regular season.

The New York Times - Sports

Leila, the object of his desire, is silent and passive after a loveless childhood that left her somewhat fragile.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Is it slightly fragile?

TechCrunch

The question was to test if an irregular population would be somewhat more fragile than a regular population which was not the case.

Advanced Materials

She is very thin, slightly fragile-looking, and this day seemed somewhat on edge.

The New Yorker

It should be noted that the polymer deposition can somewhat affect the fragile CdS NWs (Fig. 2).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Moored offshore in still water, it looks like a hermit's retreat, fragile and somewhat forlorn.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or relationships, "somewhat fragile" can effectively convey a sense of vulnerability that requires careful handling. For example, "The economic recovery is "somewhat fragile" and could be easily disrupted by unforeseen events."

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat fragile" when describing something that is clearly robust or durable. This can create a confusing or contradictory image for the reader. Instead, opt for more appropriate descriptors to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat fragile" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies nouns by indicating a moderate degree of vulnerability or susceptibility to damage. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse subjects, from economic conditions to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat fragile" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is moderately vulnerable or easily damaged. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. With a neutral register, it fits well in both formal and informal writing. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase frequently appears in news and media, academia, and science, indicating its wide acceptance and applicability. Consider using alternatives like "rather delicate" or "fairly weak" for slight variations in meaning. Be mindful of overstating fragility when using this phrase to ensure clarity and accuracy in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat delicate

Synonymous, with a slight shift in emphasis toward gentleness.

rather delicate

Emphasizes the fineness and susceptibility to damage, differing in tone.

fairly weak

Focuses on the lack of strength, offering a more direct assessment.

moderately weak

Similar to 'fairly weak' but sounds more formal

slightly unstable

Highlights the potential for change or collapse, altering the focus.

relatively unstable

Indicates a comparative lack of stability compared to other things

a bit frail

Implies a certain degree of weakness, often due to age or illness.

a little precarious

Suggests a situation is unstable and may get worse

slightly breakable

Directly points out the ability to be broken easily.

easily damaged

Highlights the potential for harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat fragile" to describe something that is not very strong or is easily damaged. For example, "The peace treaty is "somewhat fragile" and requires constant negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat fragile"?

Alternatives include "rather delicate", "fairly weak", or "slightly unstable", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat fragile" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat fragile" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying a nuanced sense of vulnerability. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

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

"Somewhat fragile" indicates a moderate degree of vulnerability, while "very fragile" suggests a much higher level of susceptibility to damage. The choice depends on the specific strength or resilience of what you are describing.