somewhat less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'somewhat less' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a degree of decrease. For example, "The number of people attending the event was somewhat less than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But only somewhat less.

The New York Times

Others are somewhat less circumspect.

Independent

But somewhat less of it.

The New York Times

If somewhat less cheerful.

The Guardian

The men are somewhat less ardent.

The New Yorker

This might happen somewhat less often.

The Economist

India benefits from being somewhat less prominent.

The Economist

Innovations in equipment are somewhat less noble.

The New Yorker

Illinois authors are somewhat less represented.

The New Yorker

Somewhat less common are ermines and weasels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The crowd, however, was somewhat less elegant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat less" to express a nuanced comparison when you want to indicate a degree of difference without being overly precise. It is effective for softening statements and avoiding strong claims.

Common error

While "somewhat less" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts where precise quantification is expected. Instead, consider using more specific terms like 'slightly', 'marginally', or providing numerical data to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat less" primarily functions as a degree modifier, indicating a moderate reduction or diminution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, providing numerous examples of its effective application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat less" serves as a versatile degree modifier, effectively communicating a moderate reduction or difference across various contexts. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a wide range of sources, indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While it is generally acceptable in formal writing, being mindful of the need for precision is important. Consider alternatives like "slightly fewer" or "marginally reduced" when greater specificity is required. Overall, "somewhat less" offers a nuanced way to express comparisons and soften claims in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat reduced

A synonym for "somewhat less", interchangeable in most contexts.

slightly fewer

Emphasizes a numerical difference, often used when quantifying.

a bit smaller

Focuses on size or quantity reduction in a more informal manner.

relatively smaller

Positions the reduction in relation to a reference point.

marginally reduced

Highlights the action of reducing something by a small amount.

moderately decreased

Indicates a decrease that is neither negligible nor substantial.

noticeably diminished

Suggests the reduction is apparent or observable.

not quite as

Suggests that something falls short of a certain level or expectation.

fractionally lower

Implies a very small or fractional decrease.

hardly as much

Emphasizes the lack of quantity or degree in a more emphatic way.

FAQs

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

Use "somewhat less" to indicate a moderate reduction or decrease. For example: "The project's budget was "slightly fewer" than initially projected."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat less"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a bit smaller", "marginally reduced", or "noticeably diminished", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "somewhat less" in academic writing?

Yes, "somewhat less" is acceptable in academic writing, but ensure it aligns with the level of precision required. If possible, replace it with a more precise quantitative measure if available.

What is the difference between "somewhat less" and "slightly less"?

"Somewhat less" and "slightly less" are often interchangeable, but "somewhat less" can imply a slightly larger degree of difference than "slightly less". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.