somewhat strict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat strict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, rule, or person that is moderately or fairly strict, indicating a level of rigidity without being overly harsh. Example: "The teacher is somewhat strict about deadlines, but she is understanding in special circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His parents tell me they are "somewhat strict, but not in the typical ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But she can be somewhat strict about candy: answering the door to the 12-year-old vampire, she instructed: "You can take two".

The New York Times

In order to make operative the concept of disability, we apply the following somewhat strict definition: a person is considered to be disabled if he or she reports having been strongly limited in his or her activities during at least the past six months.

SERIEs

So if you're somewhat strict about these things, you might conclude these companies were lawbreakers and did not grow ethically.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He supports campaign-finance reform, abortion rights, (somewhat) stricter gun laws, and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented aliens.

The New Yorker

A variety of measures were enacted, and a somewhat stricter legal climate led to several high-profile convictions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most set somewhat stricter terms than California where insomnia, migraines and post-traumatic stress can all be reasons for a spliff, if you see the right doctor.

The Economist

ING Direct has had somewhat stricter qualifying standards in recent years than the industry norm, as is evidenced by the fact that it has foreclosed on just 15 of the roughly 100,000 mortgages it has issued since 2000.

The New York Times

Under federal law, every state has to pick one of two plans -- the federal rules established by the Environmental Protection Agency, or somewhat stricter standards adopted by the state of California.

The New York Times

And while I haven't spent much time — possibly any time — in museums that feature "living history" exhibits, I imagine the actors would be held to somewhat stricter standards than Gideon and Margie, whose stiff speeches about the lives of their characters soon give way to rambling, free-form dialogues in which personal grievances take precedence over the dissemination of history.

The New York Times

Does it mean somewhat stricter limits on immigrants, somewhat more careful consideration of the benefits given to them?" said Berman.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat strict" to convey a nuanced level of strictness, avoiding extremes. It implies moderation and is suitable when describing rules, policies, or individuals that are not excessively rigid.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat strict" when the situation requires a stronger term like "very strict" or "absolutely rigid". Misusing it can dilute the intended meaning and create ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat strict" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating a moderate degree of strictness. Ludwig AI examples confirm that it is used to describe rules, people, or policies that are not excessively rigid but still maintain a degree of control.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat strict" is a valid and usable adjective phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates a moderate level of strictness, avoiding extremes. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is found across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "somewhat strict", ensure that the level of strictness aligns with the intended message to prevent overstating or understating the situation. Ludwig also provides a list of alternative phrases for different levels of semantic similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately firm

Indicates a level of firmness that is not overly harsh or severe.

fairly rigorous

Suggests a level of rigor that is not extreme but still demanding.

reasonably controlled

Implies a level of control that is within acceptable limits.

somewhat disciplined

Describes a level of discipline that is present but not excessive.

slightly regulated

Indicates a level of regulation that is minimal but still effective.

partially enforced

Implies enforcement that is not complete or absolute.

relatively controlled

Describes a level of control that is relative to other situations or standards.

mildly enforced

Suggests a gentle or lenient form of enforcement.

not entirely lenient

Indicates that a degree of strictness exists, rather than complete leniency.

a bit exacting

Suggests a tendency to be precise and demanding but not overly so.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat strict" to describe rules, people, or situations that are moderately firm or controlled. For example, "The teacher is "somewhat strict" about late assignments, but she understands extenuating circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat strict"?

Alternatives include "moderately firm", "fairly rigorous", or "reasonably controlled", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "somewhat strict" or "very strict"?

The choice depends on the degree of strictness you want to emphasize. Use ""somewhat strict"" when the level is moderate; use "very strict" when it's significantly more stringent.

What does "somewhat strict" imply about a person's character?

It suggests the person enforces rules and standards but is not excessively harsh or unyielding. They likely have a balance between discipline and understanding.