somewhat ironic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat ironic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or statement that has an element of irony, but to a lesser degree. Example: "It was somewhat ironic that the fire station burned down while the firefighters were out on a call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's somewhat ironic.

The New York Times

A somewhat ironic name, no?

Britannica

Their appropriation of the word "housewife" may be somewhat ironic, but it's not at all apologetic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Prada's statements about art suggest that she must find her own enshrinement somewhat ironic.

The New Yorker

"It's somewhat ironic that he's last in and first out," Mr. Gelb said of Mr. Muhly.

The New York Times

But this year's prize, which is being shared three ways, is notable, and even somewhat ironic.

The New Yorker

Mr. Skelton added, "I guess it's somewhat ironic that it's happening".

The New York Times

As for the shift in emphasis, Mr. Dennis said: "That is somewhat ironic.

The New York Times

It is somewhat ironic that Mr. Cheney's relatively modest exit deal should create such a stir.

The New York Times

It is somewhat ironic that the negotiation has involved so much airline travel by so many people.

The Economist

Exam boards have put a renewed focus upon "personal response" (somewhat ironic considering their questions are anything but).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat ironic", ensure the context clearly establishes the elements of irony present, even if they are subtle.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat ironic" when the situation is blatantly ironic. The qualifier "somewhat" implies a degree of subtlety that would be inappropriate for obvious instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat ironic" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the adjective "ironic". This indicates a partial or limited degree of irony. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat ironic" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses a mild degree of irony. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. It is appropriate for a variety of contexts, ranging from News & Media to Scientific writing. The presence of "somewhat" tempers the strength of the statement, suggesting a degree of subtlety. When using the phrase, ensure the ironic elements are present but not overstated. Alternatives such as "mildly ironic" or "slightly ironic" offer similar nuances. As illustrated by the diverse examples, this phrase is a valuable tool for adding layers of meaning to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mildly ironic

Replaces "somewhat" with "mildly", indicating a weaker degree of irony.

slightly ironic

Uses "slightly" instead of "somewhat" to denote a minimal level of irony.

a little ironic

Employs "a little" to soften the sense of irony.

kind of ironic

Replaces "somewhat" with the more colloquial "kind of", maintaining a similar level of impact.

rather ironic

Utilizes "rather" for a slightly more formal tone, expressing a comparable degree of irony.

somewhat paradoxical

Substitutes "ironic" with "paradoxical", shifting the focus slightly to contradiction but retaining a similar nuance.

slightly contradictory

Replaces "ironic" to "contradictory", expressing that something does not logically agree with another, but at a slighter intensity.

a touch ironic

Uses "a touch" to minimize the significance of the irony.

arguably ironic

Adds a layer of subjectivity, suggesting that the irony is open to interpretation.

ironic to some extent

More explicitly states the partial nature of the irony.

FAQs

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

Use "somewhat ironic" to describe situations where there's a mild or subtle sense of irony. For example, "It's "somewhat ironic" that a technology company known for innovation is using outdated software internally."

What phrases are similar to "somewhat ironic"?

Alternatives include "mildly ironic", "slightly ironic", or "a little ironic". The best choice depends on the degree of irony you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "somewhat ironic"?

Yes, using "somewhat ironic" is incorrect if the situation is extremely ironic or not ironic at all. Using the phrase in that situation would be a misrepresentation of the facts.

What is the difference between "somewhat ironic" and "very ironic"?

"Somewhat ironic" suggests a mild level of irony, while "very ironic" indicates a strong and obvious irony. The choice depends on the magnitude of the ironic situation you are describing.