somewhat taller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat taller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparative statement about height, indicating a degree of difference that is not extreme. Example: "After a year of growth, she is now somewhat taller than her classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Improved varieties include "Altifolius," somewhat taller, and "Potter's Wheel," with broader sepals.

Britannica

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 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

"That seemed a pretty tall order," Salonen said, somewhat dubiously, for a 30-year-old conductor and composer.

Los Angeles Times

Regression to the mean held even between brothers, he observed; exceptionally tall men tend to have brothers who are somewhat less tall.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat taller" when you want to indicate a moderate difference in height without being overly precise. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat taller" when the height difference is significant or easily noticeable. In such cases, opt for stronger terms like "significantly taller" or "much taller."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat taller" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a degree of height relative to something else. Ludwig indicates this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat taller" serves as a versatile comparative adjective phrase, commonly employed to denote a moderate height difference. Ludwig confirms it's a correct and acceptable expression. Its widespread usage across diverse platforms, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science domains, indicates its neutrality and general applicability. When using "somewhat taller", remember it is best suited for contexts where a moderate difference is being described; otherwise, consider alternatives like "slightly taller" or "noticeably taller" to better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A bit taller

More informal and conversational, suitable for casual contexts.

Marginally taller

Highlights that the difference in height is very small or insignificant.

Just a little taller

Similar to "a bit taller" but adds a touch of emphasis on the small difference.

Slightly higher

Focuses more on elevation than overall height, suitable for objects or abstract concepts.

A shade taller

An idiomatic expression indicating a very slight difference in height.

Barely taller

Highlights that the increase in height is minimal and almost imperceptible.

Moderately taller

Suggests a more noticeable difference in height than "somewhat."

Noticeably taller

Emphasizes that the difference in height is easily observed.

Somewhat elevated

Shifts the focus from height to a raised position.

Slightly elevated

Combination of "slightly" and "elevated" for a nuanced perspective of height.

FAQs

What does "somewhat taller" mean?

The phrase "somewhat taller" means slightly or moderately taller, indicating that something is a bit higher than something else but not by a large margin.

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

You can use "somewhat taller" to compare the heights of two objects or people, for example: "The new building is "somewhat taller" than the old one."

What can I say instead of "somewhat taller"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly taller", "a bit taller", or "marginally taller", depending on the context.

Is "somewhat taller" formal or informal?

"Somewhat taller" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase that is widely understood and accepted.