somewhat smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

"somewhat smooth" is a correct usage of English that can be used in written English.
For example, "The texture of the fabric was somewhat smooth, not quite satin-like but still pleasant to the touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Tivli links up with a student's university ID and Facebook account, making the login process somewhat smooth.

The New York Times

Some observers argue that if President Bashar al-Assad dies or leaves Syria, the opposition will be able to lead a somewhat smooth transition, as was initially the case in Libya after the fall of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi.

The New York Times

The increase in the intensity of MeV electrons around the peak (Lr2.8) was somewhat smooth.

Advances in Space Research

Although it can be seen that the equipotential surfaces somewhat smooth the surface discontinuities, electron trajectories at either side of these discontinuities are deflected in different directions which causes electron paths to overlap in the returning beam (Fig. 6a).

Nanoscale Research Letters

For the lower jet-velocity case, the dissipation layers were somewhat smooth, isolated, and preferentially aligned in the axial direction, while for the higher jet-velocity case (near global extinction), the scalar dissipation rate field was characterized by an increased number of shorter, thinner, and highly wrinkled dissipation layers.

Combustion and Flame

However, it is equally conceivable that the general properties of complex systems somewhat smooth out the differences, which would imply that most DMEs look rather similar.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Although a cursory look at broad market trends may be signaling a bumpy road ahead, a closer examination of stocks and bonds suggests a somewhat smoother ride.

The New York Times

The strength of the film lies not in the measuring contest of the two leads but in the supporting performances from Mullally (assuming her Parks and Recreation character, Tammy II, with the edges somewhat smoothed off) and Deutch.

The Guardian - Film

Owning property in Mexico still has its quirks — especially in coastal and border areas — though Loreto has somewhat smoothed the requirement that foreigners buy through a bank trust that technically holds title.

The New York Times - Travel

The music's mixture of styles — there's even a bit of "Carmina Burana -type shrieking tossed in for good measure — does make for a Burana -typeination, but the variationshriekingewhatossedthed over by the unyinlding stream oforanalities in the lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, who also wrote the book.

The New York Times

The fact that women in his act lingered round him like sirens, in skin-tight turquoise dresses, and that he was hooked for years on heroin and promiscuous sex, was somewhat smoothed by the knowledge that his music had sprung both out of a desperately hard life and, however wildly, out of church.Songs for the general JoeMr Charles did not invent "soul", as he came to call it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing textures, use "somewhat smooth" to indicate a surface that is not perfectly smooth but has a noticeable degree of smoothness. It is suitable for describing physical objects, processes, or transitions.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat smooth" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms to describe the degree of smoothness or surface texture to ensure greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat smooth" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to indicate an intermediate state of smoothness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by examples describing textures, transitions, and processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat smooth" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something possessing a moderate degree of smoothness. As verified by Ludwig AI, its applications span across diverse fields from news reporting and scientific research to general descriptions. Its neutral register renders it suitable for use in both formal and informal settings. While the phrase is deemed appropriate by Ludwig, more precise wording is recommended in extremely formal or technical works, and remember that there are other "alternatives to "somewhat smooth"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly smooth

Emphasizes a minimal degree of smoothness compared to "somewhat smooth".

moderately smooth

Suggests a higher degree of smoothness than "somewhat smooth", implying a noticeable level of smoothness.

fairly smooth

Indicates a good degree of smoothness, a bit more than "somewhat smooth".

kind of smooth

An informal alternative to "somewhat smooth", implying a similar degree of smoothness.

relatively smooth

Highlights smoothness in comparison to something else, implying smoothness is relative rather than absolute like "somewhat smooth".

pretty smooth

An informal phrase indicating a good degree of smoothness, slightly more emphatic than "somewhat smooth".

almost smooth

Indicates that something is close to being completely smooth, carrying a degree of approximation like "somewhat smooth".

partially smooth

Emphasizes that only a part of something is smooth unlike "somewhat smooth" which applies to the whole object.

approaching smooth

Implies a transition towards smoothness, differing from the static description of "somewhat smooth".

rather smooth

Indicates a similar degree of smoothness, slightly more formal than "somewhat smooth".

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat smooth" to describe something that isn't perfectly smooth, but has a noticeable degree of smoothness. For example, "The transition was "somewhat smooth", despite the initial challenges."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat smooth"?

Alternatives include "slightly smooth", "moderately smooth", or "fairly smooth", depending on the degree of smoothness you wish to convey.

Is "somewhat smooth" a formal or informal expression?

"Somewhat smooth" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language may be preferable in highly technical or academic writing.

What's the difference between "somewhat smooth" and "almost smooth"?

"Somewhat smooth" indicates a partial degree of smoothness, while "almost smooth" suggests something is close to being completely smooth but hasn't quite reached that state. The level of approximation is different.