somewhat of

USAGE SUMMARY

"somewhat of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually indicates that something is partly something else, or partially related. For example, "He has somewhat of an interest in photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's somewhat of a mystery.

The New York Times

It was somewhat of a daze.

The New York Times

Chase considered Meredith somewhat of a slut.

The New Yorker

"It was somewhat of a revenge game".

The New York Times

This is somewhat of a distortion.

The New York Times

"It's somewhat of an unusual situation".

The New York Times

This is somewhat of an illusion.

The New York Times

"That has been somewhat of a disappointment".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's somewhat of a public figure.

The New York Times

"It was somewhat of a roller coaster.

The New York Times - Sports

It is somewhat of a unique situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat of" to indicate a partial or limited quality, avoiding its use when a more precise term is available for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat of" excessively in formal contexts. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey partiality or approximation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat of" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a partial or limited quality. As confirmed by Ludwig, it suggests that something possesses a certain characteristic to a degree, but not entirely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat of" is a versatile phrase used to express a partial or limited quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting its role as a qualifier. While it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "to some degree" or "partly" for more formal settings. The phrase is valuable for adding nuance, signaling that something possesses a trait without fully embodying it. The high number of real-world examples showcase the versatility and correct usage of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partly

Offers a shorter, more direct synonym emphasizing the partial nature of something.

to a limited degree

Replaces "somewhat of" with a more explicit phrase, indicating that the extent is restricted

to a certain extent

Replaces "somewhat of" with a more formal expression indicating limited scope or degree.

to some degree

Replaces "somewhat of" with a more direct adverbial phrase indicating partial extent.

relatively

Introduces a comparative aspect, suggesting a moderate degree in relation to something else.

in some respects

Highlights specific aspects or areas where something is true or applicable.

in a way

Offers a broader, less precise alternative, suggesting a particular perspective or manner.

kind of

Provides a more informal substitute, implying approximation or similarity.

up to a point

Suggests that something is true or valid only to a certain limit or threshold.

more or less

Implies an approximation or general agreement, rather than a precise match.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat of" to describe something that possesses a quality to a limited extent. For example, "The project was "somewhat of a success"" indicates it had some success, but not complete success.

What are some alternatives to "somewhat of"?

Alternatives include "to some degree", "partly", or "to a certain extent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "somewhat" or "somewhat of"?

Using "somewhat" directly as an adverb is often more concise (e.g., "The task was somewhat challenging"). "Somewhat of" is used before a noun phrase (e.g., "The task was "somewhat of a challenge"").

What's the difference between "somewhat of" and "kind of"?

"Somewhat of" is generally considered more formal than "kind of". While both indicate approximation, "somewhat of" often carries a slightly more precise or deliberate tone, while "kind of" is more casual.