somewhat taxing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat taxing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately demanding or requires a fair amount of effort or energy. Example: "The project was somewhat taxing, but the team managed to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At Level 2, even adults find the task somewhat taxing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Participants found the loop of questions about their most recent partners (Fig.  1, Appendix Table  1) somewhat taxing, but for the most part logical and straightforward.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

He gives us Mohamed Atta in Berlin, once the obedient, disciplined good son of a somewhat taxing, ambitious father, coming into his own as a steely holy warrior.

The New York Times - Books

That tour of the continent proved somewhat taxing, and the car was slightly damaged, so the museum has asked the Gurney shop to perform a conservation — a process that will ensure the car's condition is the same as it was at the end of the race.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The overelaborate finale — which includes not only the choosing of the murderer but also the selection of a detective and a happy couple to be paired off — somewhat taxes our delight in taking part.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush's economic advisers have acknowledged that the alternative minimum tax would mean somewhat smaller tax savings under his plan than would otherwise be the case for many affluent taxpayers.

The New York Times

a somewhat arcane tax story that really deserves to break out of the tax ghetto.

Forbes

But in contrast to congressional Republicans' claims that any tax increases would stop job creation in its tracks, many executives say they could tolerate somewhat higher taxes if they were part of a broader plan that offered clarity on the nation's future policies, particularly one heavy on spending cuts.

The Washington Post

The country also acquired a reputation as a somewhat lax tax haven.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, you can collect somewhat higher taxes, and then, you have an endowment, the city has an endowment, which can help tide them over through difficult times.

Yale University

The country has a long-standing political aversion to anything that seems to "reward" being poor; instead, it fights poverty using a progressive, if somewhat paternalistic, tax code.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat taxing" to describe situations or tasks that require a noticeable but not overwhelming amount of effort or resources. It strikes a balance between acknowledging difficulty and avoiding exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat taxing" when the situation is genuinely severely difficult or overwhelming. In such cases, stronger terms like "extremely challenging" or "overwhelmingly difficult" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat taxing" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that requires a moderate amount of effort or energy. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat taxing" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates a moderate level of difficulty or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing tasks or situations that demand attention without being overwhelming. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and scientific publications demonstrates its credibility and versatility across various writing contexts. When employing the term, ensure that the context accurately reflects a mid-range challenge to avoid overstating the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat difficult

Indicates a degree of difficulty, but not overwhelming.

Moderately demanding

Focuses on the level of demand or difficulty, without necessarily implying a negative impact.

Reasonably taxing

Indicates that the situation has some tax, can be sustained.

Slightly burdensome

Emphasizes the weight or load imposed, but to a small degree.

Somewhat onerous

Emphasizes the oppressive nature, but in a limited way.

A bit challenging

Highlights the element of challenge or difficulty involved.

Kind of demanding

Similar to "somewhat demanding" but is more informal.

A little strenuous

Suggests physical or mental effort is required, but only to a mild extent.

Mildly exhausting

Implies a slight depletion of energy or resources.

A trifle exacting

Underlines the need for precision and accuracy, but to a small degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat taxing" to describe an activity or situation that requires a moderate amount of effort or energy. For example, "The hike was "somewhat taxing", but the view from the top was worth it."

What are some alternatives to saying "somewhat taxing"?

You can use alternatives like "moderately demanding", "slightly burdensome", or "a bit challenging" depending on the specific context.

Is "somewhat taxing" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat taxing" is suitable for formal writing as it's a clear and professional way to describe a moderate level of difficulty or demand. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral and objective tone appropriate for professional contexts.

What's the difference between "somewhat taxing" and "very taxing"?

"Somewhat taxing" implies a moderate level of difficulty, while "very taxing" suggests a much higher, potentially overwhelming level of difficulty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the actual level of effort or demand involved.