somewhat frail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat frail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is weak or delicate to a certain degree, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "The elderly man appeared somewhat frail, struggling to walk without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Somewhat frail, he is recovering from a bout with pneumonia.

The New York Times - Arts

Lawler's work is periodically topical, as with her occasional, somewhat frail gestures of antiwar sentiment.

The New Yorker

She did not look well, and seemed somewhat frail, although her voice and her warmth were entirely unchanged.

The New Yorker

Uncle, somewhat frail of body but sharp of mind, replied, "Look in your pocketbook and see if you're missing a twenty".

The New York Times

She was slight of build, somewhat frail and very thin in her last years, but her hair remained honey-colored, and she liked to boast, although it was widely doubted, that she had never had a face-lift.

The New York Times

America's greatest sentence-by-sentence show-off is 76, and made somewhat frail by an unreliable heart, but when he thinks back over those decades, he does so with a wicked grin.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

To the very end, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, though frail and somewhat forgetful, remained the Father of the Nation for South Africans.

The New Yorker

Raabe was frail and somewhat deaf but he, like all the Munchkins, spoke warmly of the film.

Independent

By Charlayne Hunter-Gault May 3, 2013 To the very end, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, though frail and somewhat forgetful, remained the Father of the Nation for South Africans.

The New Yorker

But in… The convergence of outrage over the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case in Florida, where I live, and the celebrations of Nelson Mandela's ninety-fifth birthday… To the very end, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, though frail and somewhat forgetful, remained the Father of the Nation for South Africans.

The New Yorker

The target should be somewhat higher (≤8.0%) in frail older adults with medical and functional comorbidities.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "somewhat frail", be mindful of the context and avoid language that could be perceived as overly negative or dismissive. Focus on their resilience or inner strength alongside their physical condition.

Common error

While acceptable, "somewhat frail" can sound repetitive if used frequently. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "a bit fragile" or "rather weak" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat frail" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate degree of physical or emotional weakness. Ludwig's examples show it describing people, gestures, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat frail" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adjectival phrase used to describe a moderate degree of weakness or delicacy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides a variety of examples spanning news, general reference, and even scientific contexts.

It's essential to be mindful of the context when using "somewhat frail", aiming for balanced and sensitive language. While generally neutral, varying your descriptive vocabulary can enhance your writing and prevent redundancy. Consider synonyms such as "a bit fragile" or "rather weak" to add nuance and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat fragile

Synonymous but emphasizes breakability or delicacy in either physical or emotional context.

a touch fragile

Similar to "somewhat fragile" but denotes a weaker level.

a bit fragile

Suggests a slightly more delicate or easily damaged state than "somewhat frail".

rather weak

Focuses more directly on a lack of strength, whereas "somewhat frail" implies a more general delicacy.

moderately weak

Replaces "frail" with "weak", indicating a similar degree of reduced strength.

slightly delicate

Similar to "somewhat frail", but emphasizes daintiness and refinement.

somewhat weakened

Highlights the process of becoming less strong, rather than the current state.

a little infirm

Implies a more advanced state of weakness, often associated with old age.

rather feeble

Similar in meaning, but "feeble" can suggest a more pronounced lack of strength and energy.

slightly vulnerable

Shifts the focus to susceptibility to harm or attack, rather than physical weakness itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat frail" to describe someone or something that is weak or delicate. For example, "The elderly man appeared somewhat frail, struggling to walk without assistance".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat frail"?

Alternatives include "a bit fragile", "rather weak", or "slightly delicate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat frail" a formal or informal expression?

"Somewhat frail" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise or technical terms if appropriate.

What's the difference between "somewhat frail" and "frail"?

"Somewhat frail" implies a lesser degree of weakness than simply "frail". It suggests a mild or moderate state of frailty, rather than a severe one.