somewhat intimidating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat intimidating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes a mild or moderate level of fear or apprehension. Example: "The large crowd at the event was somewhat intimidating for the new speaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The effect must be somewhat intimidating.

The New York Times - Magazine

The individual entries are somewhat intimidating.

The New York Times

And she has a reputation as somewhat intimidating".

The New Yorker

He also found the atmosphere in the meeting somewhat intimidating.

The Guardian

"Wine can be somewhat intimidating to most of us," said Peter Ekman, the company's chief executive.

The New York Times - Tech

All of this was somewhat intimidating, not to say repulsive, at first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Here she seems somewhat intimidated by her character.

The New York Times

One wonders whether Ms. Arcement feels somewhat intimidated by interpreting a role based on Ms. Hamilton or whether the director has tamped down what should be a more exuberant performance.

The New York Times

"My initial thinking was not to play him at all," Mr. Wright admitted, "because I was somewhat intimidated by the familiarity of the man.

The New York Times - Arts

A young recruit to The Economist, somewhat intimidated by her formidable reputation and spinsterish appearance, once ventured that, whatever the merits of abstract art, he really preferred the representational kind.

The Economist

The propaganda has been taken to heart by many Russian soldiers, and at times they seem somewhat intimidated by their adversaries, especially in Grozny, where armored vehicles were vulnerable to grenade launchers and soldiers had to walk in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat intimidating" to describe situations or people that inspire a mild sense of apprehension rather than intense fear. This phrasing is suitable when you want to convey a nuanced degree of discomfort or nervousness.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat intimidating" to describe truly terrifying or dangerous scenarios. This diminishes the actual gravity of the situation. Instead, reserve it for situations causing a manageable level of unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat intimidating" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe the degree to which something causes a feeling of apprehension or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The intensity is moderate, suggesting a nuanced level of fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

11%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat intimidating" effectively describes a moderate sense of apprehension or unease. Analysis shows it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it accurately conveys a nuanced degree of discomfort without overstating the situation. Remember to use it when you want to communicate a balanced level of fear, drawing from examples to guide appropriate usage. Be mindful of context, and consider rather intimidating or slightly daunting as alternatives based on the specific emotional intensity you want to portray.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather intimidating

Indicates a higher degree of intimidation.

relatively intimidating

Expresses intimidation in comparison to something else.

somewhat daunting

Similar, but focuses on the potential for discouragement or challenge.

slightly daunting

Indicates a minor challenge or discouragement, differing in that it focuses more on the task than the emotional impact.

a little unnerving

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety or nervousness, with a focus on emotional discomfort.

slightly unsettling

Focuses on a feeling of unease or disturbance.

mildly frightening

Highlights a low level of fear, with an emphasis on the feeling of being scared.

a bit scary

Informal and focuses on the fear aspect.

reasonably alarming

Suggests a degree of concern or worry, potentially signaling an issue that demands attention.

moderately menacing

Implies a degree of threat or danger, with greater emphasis on potential harm.

FAQs

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

The phrase "somewhat intimidating" is used to describe something that causes a mild sense of fear or unease. For example: "The vast library was "somewhat intimidating" to the first-time visitor."

What are some alternatives to saying "somewhat intimidating"?

Alternatives to "somewhat intimidating" include phrases such as "slightly daunting", "a little unnerving", or "mildly frightening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "somewhat intimidating" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the tone and audience. If a more impactful expression is needed, alternatives like "rather intimidating" or "relatively intimidating" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "somewhat intimidating" and "pretty intimidating"?

"Somewhat intimidating" suggests a milder degree of intimidation compared to "pretty intimidating", which implies a more noticeable or significant level of causing fear or unease. The choice depends on the specific level of intensity you wish to express.