somewhat higher than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat higher than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities, values, or measurements that are slightly above a certain reference point. Example: "The temperature today is somewhat higher than it was yesterday, reaching a peak of 85 degrees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The police presence has diminished, but is still understood to be somewhat higher than normal.

The Guardian

That is a pretty nice audience for Fox News — and somewhat higher than other recent debates.

The New York Times

Counting units with foundations — 300 so far — the rate is somewhat higher than in recent years.

The New York Times

Syria's population is growing at a rate somewhat higher than the world average.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The central bankers said inflation, excluding food and energy, would be somewhat higher than previously forecast.

The New York Times

The amounts are somewhat higher than what Mr. Booker had disclosed previously.

The New York Times

The 41 percent figure is somewhat higher than most recent polls anticipated.

The New York Times

His voice is pitched somewhat higher than his father's, and it quivers evocatively in a relaxed, modern style.

The New Yorker

But this Tengda is primarily Japanese and Western -- not Asian fusion -- with prices somewhat higher than in Westport.

The New York Times

Brokers contend that that is the normal summer attendance, and may even be somewhat higher than in past years.

The New York Times

But someone familiar with the negotiations put the amount as "somewhat higher" than the mid-six figures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat higher than", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for comparison. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what is being compared and the units of measurement, if applicable.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat higher than" in situations where a more precise comparison is necessary. If the exact difference is known, provide the specific value instead to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat higher than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a quality to a degree that is slightly greater than another item or standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat higher than" is a versatile tool for making comparisons, indicating a moderate increase or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in science, news, and business. For precision, consider quantifying the difference exactly; however, in general contexts, the phrase offers a convenient way to express a noticeable but not dramatic increase. Related options, like "slightly greater than" and "marginally above", provide subtle variations in meaning and formality, but all center around conveying a relatively small degree of difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly greater than

This phrase uses 'greater' instead of 'higher' to denote magnitude, suggesting a minor difference in numerical or abstract value.

Marginally above

This alternative is more precise, emphasizing a small difference.

A shade over

Uses a less formal tone suggesting just the slightest bit over some quantity.

Somewhat in excess of

This sounds more formal than the original phrase, appropriate for technical or business contexts.

Notably exceeding

Suggests the degree of difference is significant or unexpected.

A bit more than

It uses a more informal and vague term indicating 'a bit'.

Just a little higher than

This emphasizes the smallness of the difference with the addition of 'just'.

Slightly surpassing

Implies a degree of achievement or outperformance of something.

Modestly exceeding

This phrase highlights the modest nature of the amount by which something is higher.

A fraction above

This alternative uses the word 'fraction' to represent a minimal increase above a certain value or benchmark.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat higher than" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat higher than" to compare two values, indicating a slight difference. For example, "The cost of living here is "somewhat higher than" in rural areas."

What is a more formal alternative to "somewhat higher than"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "modestly exceeding" or "marginally above".

Is there a significant difference between "slightly higher than" and "somewhat higher than"?

The difference is subtle; "slightly higher than" implies a smaller difference than ""somewhat higher than"". Both suggest a relatively small increase, but the latter indicates a more noticeable difference.

Can "somewhat higher than" be used in all contexts?

While versatile, ""somewhat higher than"" is best suited for situations where an approximate comparison is sufficient. In technical or scientific contexts requiring precision, providing exact figures is preferable.