somewhat less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a quantity or degree that is slightly below a certain level or amount. Example: "The final score was somewhat less than what we had anticipated, leading to a disappointing outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that would be somewhat less than half true.

The New York Times - Arts

They were pleased to see that Swarthmore was charging somewhat less than most of its competitors.

The New York Times

I found it interesting but somewhat less than totally arresting.

The New York Times - Arts

"Now it is somewhat less than $90 million".

The New York Times

(The predictions turned out to be somewhat less than accurate).

The Guardian - Opinion

Vesuvius probably originated somewhat less than 200,000 years ago.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spreading rate is somewhat less than that for solid bodies.

Journal of Fluids and Structures

An assistant professor at UC Berkeley makes somewhat less than an entry-level Oakland police employee.

University of California, Berkeley

Time has agreed to put up somewhat less than $5 million to begin the publication.

The New York Times

Wash potatoes (peeling isn't necessary) and cut into slices somewhat less than 1/4-inch thick.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Generally speaking, they are good people, and somewhat less-than-solid citizens.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat less than" to convey a subtle difference, avoiding exaggeration. It's perfect for precise comparisons where the disparity isn't substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat less than" when the difference is significant. It's meant for minor discrepancies, not substantial variations. If the gap is large, choose a more emphatic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat less than" functions as a comparative modifier, indicating that something is slightly smaller, lower, or inferior to something else. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for conveying a subtle degree of difference. Examples show use in various contexts, from financial reports to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat less than" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a slight degree of difference. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. Primarily found in News & Media and Science, it serves to provide accurate comparisons without overstatement. Remember to use "somewhat less than" when the difference is genuinely minor and consider its neutral to professional register in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly smaller than

Indicates a small difference in size, focusing on physical dimensions.

fractionally lower than

Emphasizes a tiny, almost insignificant difference.

marginally below

Implies a minimal difference, suitable for numerical comparisons.

not quite as much as

Indicates a difference in quantity or degree, with a focus on comparison.

a little under

Informal way to express a small deficit, common in everyday speech.

a shade less than

A more figurative way to express a small difference.

just shy of

Suggests a near miss, appropriate when something almost reaches a target.

comparatively lower than

Implies a difference that is noticeable when compared to something else.

somewhat inferior to

Focuses on a slight difference in quality or status.

slightly deficient in

Highlights a minor lack or shortage of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat less than" to indicate a slight difference or reduction. For example, "The actual cost was somewhat less than the initial estimate."

What's a more formal alternative to "somewhat less than"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "marginally below" or "slightly inferior to" instead of "somewhat less than".

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat less than" in scientific writing?

Yes, "somewhat less than" is appropriate in scientific writing when describing minor differences. However, always ensure precision and context. For example, "The reaction rate was "slightly lower than" the control group."

What's the difference between "somewhat less than" and "much less than"?

"Somewhat less than" implies a small difference, while "much less than" indicates a significant disparity. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you wish to convey.