somewhat so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a degree of agreement or affirmation, often in a nuanced or less emphatic way. Example: "When asked if he enjoyed the movie, he replied, 'Somewhat so, but it could have been better.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The deal was aimed at trimming T.A.A. benefits somewhat so Republicans would vote for it.

The New York Times

I have just reframed the brief somewhat, so that instead of living off my cupboards, I am emptying them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This converted tenement has been updated — somewhat — so that each of the 22 rooms looks like an apartment a stylish young slacker inherited from his Great-Aunt Sadie.

The New York Times - Travel

But it has been softened somewhat, so that it would now permit authorities to adopt the new standard, but not require them to.

The New York Times

The irony of the deal is that the threat from Apple has receded somewhat, so the Motorola experiment probably wasn't needed.

The Guardian - Tech

Setting the story in Warsaw in the late thirties also allowed Singer to blunt the criticism somewhat, so that contemporaneous readers did not necessarily feel that it was aimed directly at them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

AN IMPLAUSIBLE politician has just become somewhat less so.

The Economist

The apartments were combined and somewhat finished so they could be sold.

The New York Times

He concluded, somewhat incongruously: "So I'm not saying he's not conservative.

The New York Times

"The pork is somewhat fatty, so it can take the spice and vinegar," Mr. Callaghan said.

The New York Times - Food

He adds, "Teddy Roosevelt generally looks angry and somewhat appalled, so he was the easiest".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat so" to express a nuanced agreement or qualified affirmation. This avoids stronger, more definitive statements when a partial endorsement is more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat so" excessively in formal contexts where more precise language is expected. While grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound vague or hesitant. Prefer more direct and specific terms when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat so" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an implied verb of agreement or truth. It indicates a degree or extent of agreement, suggesting a qualified or partial affirmation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is used to express agreement in a nuanced and less emphatic way.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Forbes

3%

Science

3%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat so" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a partial agreement or affirmation. While not extremely common, according to Ludwig, it is used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. It serves to express a nuanced agreement, avoiding stronger affirmations when a partial endorsement is more appropriate. However, it's essential to avoid overusing "somewhat so" in formal contexts, as more specific language might be preferable to maintain clarity and precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally so

Indicates an even slighter degree of agreement or truth than "somewhat so".

to some extent

Emphasizes the limited degree of agreement or truth.

partly true

Focuses on the aspect of truth being present, but not entirely.

kind of

A more informal way of expressing a partial agreement.

more or less

Suggests an approximation or general agreement rather than a precise one.

up to a point

Highlights that the agreement or truth is valid only to a certain limit.

relatively so

Indicates the agreement or truth is dependent on comparison.

in a way

Expresses a qualified or limited agreement.

so to speak

Used to soften or qualify a statement.

after a fashion

Suggests that something is done, but not perfectly or ideally.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "somewhat so" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to some extent", "partially true", or "relatively so" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is there a difference between "somewhat so" and "somewhat yes"?

"Somewhat so" is a more indirect affirmation, while "somewhat yes" is more explicit. Both indicate partial agreement, but "somewhat so" can also imply a degree of reservation or qualification.

When is it appropriate to use "somewhat so" in writing?

Use "somewhat so" when you want to express agreement but with reservations or limitations. It is suitable when a complete affirmation would be misleading or inaccurate.

Are there contexts where "somewhat so" might be confusing?

In contexts requiring absolute clarity or precision, "somewhat so" might be too vague. Opt for more specific language to avoid ambiguity, especially in technical or legal writing.