somewhat tall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat tall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is taller than average but not excessively so. Example: "He is somewhat tall compared to his peers, making him stand out in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What family-car buyers want are somewhat tall station wagons that handle like sports sedans.

Forbes

Get a can that is large, both somewhat tall and wide.

WikiHow

If you vase is somewhat tall, you might need to stack a second receiving blanket on top of the first so that the sides are completely covered.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr. Silverstein's latest plan calls for a somewhat taller but less bulky skyscraper designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill.

The New York Times

The second man was described as somewhat taller, Hispanic, 23 to 26 years old, possibly wearing a do-rag.

The New York Times

Somewhat taller is the staghorn, or velvet, sumac (R. typhina), up to 9 metres (29.5 feet), named for the dense or velvety covering on new twigs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That zoning allows for the construction of a somewhat taller residential building that can include commercial space, a boon in that location.

The New York Times

No, because regression works backward as well as forward in time: very tall children tend to have somewhat shorter parents, and very short children tend to have somewhat taller parents.

The New Yorker

If very tall parents tend to have somewhat shorter children, and very short parents tend to have somewhat taller children, doesn't that mean that eventually everyone should be the same height?

The New Yorker

At the time, the capitol was said to be the seventh-largest building in the world, and, as one would expect, it is somewhat taller than its uncle in Washington, D.C.

The New Yorker

Domestic horses gone wild, such as the mustangs of western North America, tend to revert to those primitive features under random mating: they generally are somewhat taller (about 15 hands), are usually gray, dun, or brownish in colour, and move in herds led by a stallion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing height, use "somewhat tall" to indicate that someone or something is taller than average, but not remarkably so. This provides a nuanced description without exaggerating the height.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat tall" when you mean 'very tall' or 'extremely tall'. The phrase is best used for subtle distinctions in height, not for significant differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat tall" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by specifying its height relative to an average or expected height, indicating that it exceeds the average without being exceptionally high. Ludwig examples support this.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat tall" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to indicate a height that is above average but not exceptionally so. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts. While its usage frequency is relatively rare, it appears primarily in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, use "somewhat tall" to provide a nuanced description without exaggeration, and avoid using it when you intend to describe a significant difference in height. Alternatives include "fairly tall" or "moderately tall" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly tall

Indicates a similar degree of height as "somewhat tall" but might suggest a slightly greater extent.

moderately tall

Suggests a balanced degree of height, similar to "somewhat tall" but with a more measured tone.

relatively tall

Emphasizes the height in relation to a comparison group.

kind of tall

A more informal way to express a height that is slightly above average.

slightly tall

Highlights a minor degree of height.

a bit tall

Informal expression indicating a small degree of height over the average.

passably tall

Indicates that the height is acceptable but not particularly remarkable.

noticeably tall

Suggests the height is easily observed or recognized.

appreciably tall

Indicates a height that is large enough to be important or significant.

measurably tall

Suggests the height can be quantified and is more than the average.

FAQs

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

Use "somewhat tall" to describe something or someone that exceeds average height but not to a significant degree. For example, "The building is "somewhat tall" compared to the others on the block."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat tall"?

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

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

Yes, "somewhat tall" is appropriate in formal writing. It provides a precise and moderate description of height without being overly casual.

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

"Somewhat tall" indicates a moderate increase in height compared to the average, while "very tall" suggests a significant and noticeable increase in height. The former is a subtle descriptor, the latter a more emphatic one.