somewhat short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly below the expected length or duration. Example: "The presentation was somewhat short, lasting only 15 minutes instead of the planned 30."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I can be somewhat short with people.

The New York Times

His address was somewhat short on specifics.

The New Yorker

This, alas, does fall somewhat short of a smoking gun.

The New York Times - Books

The overall growth rate fell somewhat short of expectations.

The New York Times

Obviously our conversation fell somewhat short of resolving these issues.

The New York Times

Wolff is a controversial figure whose journalistic reputation falls somewhat short of impeccable.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

That happiness, however, was somewhat short-lived.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "The recommendations in this report are welcome; the previous recommendation to close the school seemed somewhat short-sighted.

The Guardian

The one regret is its somewhat short-breathed, encapsulating approach, particularly to the lives and characters of its cast.

The Economist

Emotion, however, is in somewhat shorter supply.

The New York Times

The computed burnout time was somewhat shorter than the measurement.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat short", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the degree of shortness. For instance, "somewhat short" is suitable when the deficiency is noticeable but not extreme.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat short" when the item is significantly deficient. In such cases, opt for stronger descriptors like "very short" or "inadequate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat short" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "short". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that is slightly less than expected, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat short" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a moderate deficiency in length, duration, or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While it's generally suitable for neutral registers, writers should consider the specific context to ensure accurate conveyance of the degree of shortness. Alternative phrases like "a bit brief" or "slightly concise" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally short

Slightly alters the degree of shortness, emphasizing a minimal difference.

relatively short

Indicates shortness in comparison to something else.

a bit brief

Uses a more informal tone to indicate that something is not as long as expected.

slightly concise

Emphasizes brevity and succinctness.

somewhat lacking

Shifts the focus to the deficiency rather than the shortness itself.

moderately brief

Implies a limited duration or length, similar in intensity.

rather limited

Highlights the restriction in scope or extent.

somewhat deficient

Focuses on the inadequacy or incompleteness of something.

comparatively brief

Stresses that the shortness is noticeable when compared to other things.

hardly extensive

Underlines that something is not comprehensive or widespread.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat short" to describe something that is slightly below the expected length or duration. For example, "The presentation was somewhat short, lasting only 15 minutes instead of the planned 30."

What are some alternatives to using "somewhat short"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a bit brief", "slightly concise", or "moderately brief", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "somewhat short" or "relatively short"?

The choice between "somewhat short" and "relatively short" depends on whether you're emphasizing a general lack of length or comparing it to something else. "Somewhat short" implies a general deficiency, while "relatively short" implies a deficiency in comparison.

When should I avoid using "somewhat short"?

Avoid using "somewhat short" if the item is significantly lacking. Use a stronger descriptor like "very short" if the deficiency is considerable.