somewhat like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'somewhat like that' is appropriate and correct in written English.
It is used to indicate an approximate comparison, or that something is similar but not exact. For example: "I'm looking for a dress that's somewhat like that one, but with short sleeves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In fact, I have a friend who already does dinner somewhat like that: She feeds her two young kids, a first-grader and a toddler, in the early evening.

Forbes

After all, you Americans do something somewhat like that.

Huffington Post

In fact, the watermelon tasted somewhat like that, too.

The New York Times

Its structure is somewhat like that of the Gradual.

Britannica

Historically, Chiloé's relationship to mainland Chile has been somewhat like that of Newfoundland to Canada.

The New York Times

The GAUSSFIT program can also be operated using a batch file with a format somewhat like that used by ZETAAGE.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Rabbits are somewhat like cats in that they clean themselves.

WikiHow

The coelacanth has fleshy, lobed fins that look somewhat like limbs, as does the lungfish, an air-breathing freshwater fish.

The New York Times - Science

The opposite is true for your skin, though, as your sweat contains skin-enriching fats that work somewhat like moisturising lotion.

Vice

Later applications stressed computer-based management information and control systems somewhat like those that had earlier been developed for air defense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And today it is a remnant of a pre-electric age: the light itself, now long since modernized, was rotated by a 275-pound weight, somewhat like ones that ran old grandfather clocks.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat like that" to indicate an inexact comparison, ensuring that the context clarifies the specific aspects of similarity. For instance, "The texture was somewhat like that of cotton candy, but less sweet."

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat like that" when the comparison is actually quite different. Using "completely different" instead of being misleading with an understatement like "somewhat alike" is recommended in these cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat like that" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically indicating the degree or extent of similarity. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it suggests an approximate comparison, not an exact one. It's used to qualify how similar something is to a reference point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat like that" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate an approximate similarity, as Ludwig AI confirms. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. To express a similar meaning, consider alternatives such as "similar to that" or "akin to that". Remember to use this phrase when you want to draw a comparison without asserting complete identity, providing a nuanced and informative description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to that

Indicates a general resemblance, without specifying the degree of similarity.

akin to that

Suggests a closer relationship or resemblance, often used in more formal contexts.

resembles that

Highlights the visual or superficial similarity.

comparable to that

Implies a level of equivalence suitable for comparison.

analogous to that

Suggests a parallel or correspondence in function or structure.

not unlike that

A double negative construction indicating similarity.

in the same vein as that

Indicates similarity in style or approach.

along the lines of that

Indicates a similarity in principle or general idea.

something of that nature

Indicates a general similarity in character or kind.

in a similar fashion to that

Highlights the similarity in method or manner.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat like that" in a sentence?

Use "somewhat like that" to indicate a partial or inexact similarity between two things. For example, "The experience was "somewhat like that" time we went camping, but less intense".

What can I say instead of "somewhat like that"?

You can use alternatives such as "similar to that", "akin to that", or "resembles that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a little like that" instead of "somewhat like that"?

Yes, "a little like that" is also correct, but it suggests a smaller degree of similarity compared to "somewhat like that". The choice depends on how closely related you perceive the two things being compared.

What is the difference between "somewhat like that" and "exactly like that"?

"Somewhat like that" implies an approximation, meaning there are some differences. "Exactly like that" means there are no discernible differences; it's an identical match.