somewhat shorter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat shorter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is reduced in length or duration to a moderate extent, often in comparison to something else. Example: "The new version of the report is somewhat shorter than the previous one, making it easier to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emotion, however, is in somewhat shorter supply.

The New York Times

Such versions left out a somewhat shorter, lighter cohort.

The Guardian - Books

The computed burnout time was somewhat shorter than the measurement.

Combustion and Flame

A somewhat shorter Greek wrap was known as a chlamys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Females are somewhat shorter and average about 42 kg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or maybe a hiatu - somewhat shorter in duration than a hiatus?

The Guardian - Books

She looked weary, and her hair is somewhat shorter, and curlier, than in Angelic days.

The New Yorker

They work somewhat shorter hours, although that may well be a welfare-improving choice.

The New York Times

Her work days are somewhat shorter now, she said, and more rewarding.

The New York Times

In subsequent labours the average duration of the stage of expulsion is somewhat shorter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This object is somewhat shorter than its counterpart, even though it measures a unit that's 60 times greater.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat shorter" to indicate a moderate difference in length or duration, avoiding stronger terms like "much shorter" when the difference is not substantial. This maintains accuracy and avoids overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat shorter" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared to what, to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat shorter" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically an adverb-adjective combination. The adverb "somewhat" modifies the adjective "shorter", indicating a moderate degree of reduction in length or duration. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of the phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat shorter" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a moderate reduction in length or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal writing. When using the phrase, ensure a clear reference point for comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "slightly shorter" or "a bit shorter" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly shorter

Indicates a minimal difference in length.

a bit shorter

Suggests a small decrease in length or duration.

marginally shorter

Implies an almost negligible reduction in length.

noticeably shorter

Indicates a more perceptible difference in length.

considerably shorter

Denotes a significant reduction in length.

somewhat less lengthy

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar meaning.

slightly more concise

Focuses on brevity rather than physical length.

a little less long

Rephrases the concept using simpler language.

fractionally shorter

Suggests a very small difference in length, almost unnoticeable.

moderately shorter

Emphasizes the moderate degree of reduction in length.

FAQs

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

Use "somewhat shorter" to describe something that is moderately reduced in length or duration compared to something else. For example, "The revised report is "somewhat shorter" than the original version".

What are some alternatives to saying "somewhat shorter"?

You can use alternatives such as "slightly shorter", "a bit shorter", or "marginally shorter" depending on the context and the degree of reduction you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat shorter" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat shorter" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to indicate a moderate difference in length. However, ensure that the comparison is clear and the context is well-defined.

What's the difference between "somewhat shorter" and "slightly shorter"?

"Somewhat shorter" suggests a slightly more noticeable difference than "slightly shorter". While both indicate a small reduction, "somewhat" implies a slightly greater degree of reduction than "slightly".