somewhat nasty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat nasty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unpleasant or offensive to a moderate degree. Example: "The review was somewhat nasty, criticizing the film's plot and character development harshly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In the majority of robbery cases, even the ones that are somewhat nasty, they don't read that instruction".

The New York Times

But for the most part his late work parlayed the visceral, somewhat nasty edge of his street work into a suitably physical, rough-and-tumble darkroom technique.

The New York Times - Arts

Apparently, this is the result of a psychological necessity to euphemize a somewhat nasty, uncomfortable, or taboo matter, a device also employed for other words that describe seemingly important but improper behaviour or facets of culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Grandpaboy, "Silent Film Star" (2002) Back when Paul Westerberg was Grandpaboy, the former Replacements front man recorded this somewhat nasty love song, in which he tells a woman "You ought to be a silent film star / Keep that pretty little trap shut".

The New Yorker

After her somewhat nasty fallout with the "Today" show in June, Curry remained off NBC's air for weeks until the tragic mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado.

Huffington Post

Follow MIte Pearl on Twistrue

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Pretty nasty.

Vice

In pushing our way upward, however, we humans are somewhat less nasty about it than ants are, Wilson observes.

Forbes

His ascension to the firm's chairmanship while still in his 30's is a success story somewhat tarnished by a nasty legal battle with Cantor's widow.

The New York Times - Books

But create your own jokes which aren't nasty but somewhat inspirational.

WikiHow

Investors remain somewhat wary of "some more nasties popping out," as Mr. Murray of Perennial Value Management put it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat nasty" to express a moderate level of unpleasantness or offensiveness. It's suitable when you want to soften the impact of a stronger term.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat nasty" in highly formal or professional writing. While acceptable, it can come across as slightly informal. Opt for more precise and neutral alternatives such as "moderately objectionable" or "slightly unpleasant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat nasty" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It softens the impact of the word "nasty", indicating a moderate level of unpleasantness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat nasty" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that expresses a moderate degree of unpleasantness. Ludwig AI validates this assessment. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to soften negative evaluations. When writing, consider the level of formality required; in professional or academic settings, consider more neutral alternatives. While "somewhat nasty" isn't excessively harsh, understanding its subtle implications ensures its effective and appropriate use. Remember that being 'a little bit nasty' is different than being 'very nasty'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A little bit nasty

Uses a more casual and less formal tone.

Rather unpleasant

Similar in intensity, but uses "rather" instead of "somewhat".

Slightly unpleasant

Emphasizes the mild degree of unpleasantness compared to "somewhat nasty".

Kind of unpleasant

More informal and conversational than "somewhat nasty".

A bit disagreeable

Focuses on the lack of agreement or pleasantness.

Somewhat distasteful

Focuses on the lack of appealing taste or moral sense.

Fairly disagreeable

Indicates a moderate level of unpleasantness or lack of agreement.

Mildly offensive

Highlights the potential to cause offense, but in a mild way.

Slightly offensive

Directly indicates the potential to cause offense, but in a gentle manner.

Moderately objectionable

Implies something that can be opposed or protested against, but not strongly.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat nasty" to describe situations, behaviors, or objects that are moderately unpleasant or offensive. For example, "The review was "somewhat nasty", criticizing the film's plot and character development harshly."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat nasty"?

Alternatives include "slightly unpleasant", "a bit disagreeable", or "mildly offensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat nasty" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "somewhat nasty" might be considered too informal for certain formal writing contexts. Consider alternatives like "moderately objectionable" or "rather unpleasant" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "somewhat nasty" and "very nasty"?

"Somewhat nasty" implies a moderate level of unpleasantness, while "very nasty" suggests a significantly higher degree of unpleasantness or offensiveness. The choice depends on the intensity you wish to convey.