somewhat small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is small to a certain degree, but not extremely so. Example: "The room was somewhat small, making it difficult to fit all the furniture comfortably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is, however, a somewhat small step.

The Guardian - Tech

CONS: The bedrooms are somewhat small.

The New York Times

Peruvian Sheartail is locally common but has a somewhat small range.

Cornell University

This helps you appreciate the rawness of vision and the somewhat small scale of the objects.

The New York Times

Rooms are somewhat small and have high-speed Internet access and well-upholstered furniture.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Mayo, the analyst from Deutsche Bank, said Goldman's funds were somewhat small compared with its overall business.

The New York Times

CONS: The somewhat small and bland kitchen is out of keeping with the rest of the house.

The New York Times

People with large tonsils, whose airways may already be somewhat small, may experience more significant symptoms than those with normal tonsils.

The Washington Post

China's stock markets are somewhat small, compared with the size of its economy, forcing companies that need money to rely more on bank loans and bonds, he added.

The New York Times

These effects can be somewhat small, but when you're in charge of a car going at speed, small impairments are magnified.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The female is somewhat smaller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sizes, use "somewhat small" to indicate that something is smaller than average, but not significantly so. This term is useful when precision isn't critical but a general sense of size is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat small" when you want to emphasize a significant size difference. In such cases, use stronger terms like "considerably smaller" or "significantly smaller" to better convey the magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat small" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to describe the degree to which something possesses the quality of being small. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It modifies nouns by indicating that they are small to a certain extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat small" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is less than average in size, but not drastically so. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to avoid overstating the degree of smallness and consider alternatives like "moderately small" or "fairly small" for nuanced expression. The phrase serves as a useful modifier, providing a balanced description of size without exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately small

Emphasizes that the size is small to a moderate extent, without implying a strong degree of diminutiveness.

comparatively small

Highlights the smallness in relation to something else being compared.

fairly small

Indicates a degree of smallness that is more than slightly but not extremely small.

relatively small

Stresses that the size is small when considered in relation to a specific context or standard.

quite small

Suggests a noticeable degree of smallness, more emphatic than "somewhat".

reasonably small

Indicates that the size is small within acceptable or expected limits.

slightly small

Indicates a minor degree of smallness, almost negligible.

marginally small

Suggests the size is just barely small, close to the threshold of not being small.

a bit small

An informal way to express that something is slightly smaller than desired or expected.

mildly small

Emphasizes the gentle or subdued nature of the smallness.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat small" to describe objects, quantities, or any attribute that is less than average but not extremely so. For example, "The apartment was "somewhat small", but it suited my needs perfectly."

What's a good alternative to "somewhat small"?

Alternatives include "moderately small", "fairly small", or "relatively small", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat small" formal or informal?

"Somewhat small" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "comparatively small" or "moderately small".

What is the difference between "somewhat small" and "very small"?

"Somewhat small" implies a slight degree of smallness, while "very small" indicates a much greater degree. Using "very small" suggests that the item is significantly smaller than average, whereas "somewhat small" suggests a less dramatic difference.