somewhat ill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat ill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who is not feeling well but is not severely sick. Example: "After catching a cold, I felt somewhat ill for a few days but managed to recover quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Republicans today were somewhat ill at ease.

The New York Times

Andrade said he was feeling "somewhat ill" and would undergo a course of treatment.

The Guardian - Sport

Romário, the former striker for the national football team, looked somewhat ill at ease as he declared his vote for impeachment.

The Guardian

The librarian, Walter Bowie Williams, who had gone to college in the North and was somewhat ill at ease in the South, was delighted to share his knowledge with his new disciple.

The New Yorker

But other pieces, ranging from monoliths like the rough humanoid basalt "Age" (1981) to the low, coffin-shaped "Thebes" (1982) of basalt in contrasting tones, seem somewhat ill at ease in the forbidding space around them.

The New York Times - Arts

His political convictions, ideologically supported, call for a total revolutionary restructuring of the government, which he holds to be a dictatorship of the oligarchy, and so he feels somewhat ill at ease in this room full of unscrupulous businessmen, professional soldiers, and political opportunists.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But the concept of bounded rationality has always been somewhat ill-defined in just these respects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The right, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy said Tuesday, "is somewhat ill-defined or undefined".

The New York Times

His argument also seems somewhat ill-informed – or, in worst case, wilfully misleading.

The Guardian - Music

First, some of the required attributes seem somewhat ill-defined (how would you explain the importance of "the cool idea" to an Asian autocrat?).

The Economist

But, as strung together by Ms. Sanchez, it remains a somewhat ill-fitting necklace in which the plastic baubles outnumber the gems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat ill" to describe a state of being mildly unwell, where the condition doesn't significantly impair daily activities. This phrase is suitable when you want to avoid stronger terms like "sick" or "very ill".

Common error

While "somewhat ill" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "slightly indisposed" or specifying the symptom (e.g., "somewhat nauseated") to convey a clearer meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat ill" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a state of being. Ludwig confirms its acceptability, indicating its role in describing a condition of mild sickness or discomfort. The adverb "somewhat" softens the impact of the adjective "ill."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat ill" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a state of being mildly unwell. Ludwig's analysis, along with the examples provided, indicate that it functions as an adverb-adjective combination to soften the description of illness. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, including news and media. While the frequency of use is uncommon, the phrase serves the purpose of conveying a mild state of discomfort without exaggeration. Common related phrases include "slightly unwell" or "a little sick". Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in formal writing where a more precise symptom description may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly unwell

Indicates a mild degree of being not in good health, focusing on the general feeling.

a little sick

A more casual and common way to describe a mild sickness.

not feeling quite right

Emphasizes a deviation from the normal state of well-being without specifying illness.

under the weather

An idiomatic expression for feeling mildly unwell.

a bit queasy

Suggests a feeling of nausea or unease in the stomach.

slightly indisposed

A more formal way to describe feeling mildly unwell or uncomfortable.

somewhat nauseated

Specifically describes a feeling of nausea, but not necessarily severe.

a touch sickly

Indicates a slight feeling of being unwell, using a more gentle tone.

not in the best shape

Broader term indicating a compromised state of health or well-being.

a little under par

An idiomatic way to suggest being less healthy or energetic than usual.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat ill" to describe a mild state of being unwell. For example, "I felt "somewhat ill" after eating the questionable leftovers, but it passed quickly."

What's a more formal way to say "somewhat ill"?

If you need a more formal alternative, consider using "slightly indisposed" or "mildly unwell" to describe a similar condition.

Is "somewhat ill" the same as "very ill"?

No, ""somewhat ill"" indicates a mild condition, while "very ill" suggests a more serious and debilitating state of sickness.

What are some common symptoms associated with feeling "somewhat ill"?

When someone feels ""somewhat ill"", they might experience mild symptoms like a slight headache, fatigue, or a touch of nausea, but generally not severe enough to warrant serious concern or medical attention.