somewhat tiresome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat tiresome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is mildly boring or exhausting, often in a context where the speaker wants to express a degree of annoyance or fatigue without being overly harsh. Example: "The lecture was somewhat tiresome, as the speaker went off on tangents that were not relevant to the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Her first book, "Interviewing Matisse; Or, The Woman Who Died Standing Up" (1991), transcribes a single, late-night and somewhat tiresome telephone conversation between two friends.

The New York Times - Books

The day was obviously a day of whimsical coincidences, and so here were the three of us rolling along the highway, talking about Christianity and war — a very good but somewhat tiresome conversation, which lasted right to Hartsville.

The New Yorker

A cynical worldview gets somewhat tiresome, but, Stephen Holden wrote in The New York Times, "what ultimately sinks this stylish but heartless film is a flat lead performance by the eternally snippy Meg Ryan".

The New York Times

Yes, snapping off back to back Simpsons, and climbing up the stairs to read the somewhat tiresome Tales from Narnia is not as obviously engaging as pouring a glass of red and messing around on Twitter, but laying down a routine which will help your children's brains develop properly, seems to me to be as crucial as buying them shoes which fit.

Independent

"'His eyes scanned the page, and his mind penetrated its meaning,' St. Augustine reported incredulously, 'but his voice and tongue were silent.'" Mrs. Trilling writes that the most contemporary readers skip over the unnecessary words, and so find it somewhat tiresome to have a text read to them.

The New Yorker

Whether you want to weigh on the somewhat tiresome "is Google evil now?" debate, that's up to you.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It can get pretty tiresome.

The New Yorker

His exuberance was slightly tiresome.

The New Yorker

But they're pretty tiresome.

Forbes

It's supposed to be funny because she's Mexican-American, in somewhat the same way that it's supposed to be funny — rather than a tiresome Hollywood delusion — that her impossibly tall and attractive daughter (Claudia Bassols) has eloped with an obsessive-compulsive schlub who's pushing 50 and has just discovered guacamole.

The New York Times - Arts

The blood-pressure thing makes Bruce afraid of having sex (though Betty seems somewhat intrigued by the idea), and Mr. Norton does a credible enough job of conveying how tiresome it must be to shred your shoes and clothes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat tiresome" when you want to express a feeling of mild annoyance or boredom without being overly critical. It's suitable for situations that are not severely draining but still cause some degree of weariness.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat tiresome" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your language seem repetitive and uninspired. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a bit dull" or "slightly tedious" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat tiresome" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a mild degree of boredom or exhaustion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and it is commonly employed to express a gentle form of weariness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat tiresome" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something that is mildly boring or exhausting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news media and other sources indicates its versatility. While it is acceptable in most contexts, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "slightly tedious" or "a bit dull" can enhance your writing. Avoid overusing the phrase and remember that it's most fitting for expressing mild weariness without being overly critical. As indicated by Ludwig, using "somewhat tiresome" is a solid way to add nuance to your language, and following best practices will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly tedious

Replaces "tiresome" with "tedious" and "somewhat" with "slightly", both suggesting a light degree of boredom.

rather wearisome

Employs "wearisome" as a more formal synonym for "tiresome", maintaining a similar intensity with "rather".

a little boring

Uses common, simple words to express mild boredom.

a bit dull

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey a similar feeling of mild boredom or lack of excitement.

somewhat monotonous

Uses "monotonous" to highlight the lack of variation and the resulting tedium.

somewhat uninteresting

Replaces "tiresome" with "uninteresting", emphasizing the lack of engaging qualities.

moderately exhausting

Shifts the focus to the draining aspect, implying a moderate level of fatigue.

mildly irritating

Focuses on the annoying aspect, indicating a low level of frustration.

slightly frustrating

Highlights the frustrating element, suggesting a mild sense of difficulty or obstruction.

kind of repetitive

Points to the repetitive nature as the cause of tedium, differing in emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat tiresome" to describe activities, conversations, or situations that are mildly boring or exhausting. For example, "The lecture was "somewhat tiresome", but I learned a few interesting things."

What can I say instead of "somewhat tiresome"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly tedious", "a bit dull", or "moderately exhausting" depending on the context.

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

"Somewhat tiresome" implies a mild degree of boredom or exhaustion, while "very tiresome" suggests a stronger, more pronounced feeling of weariness. The choice depends on the intensity you want to convey.

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

While "somewhat tiresome" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "rather wearisome" or "moderately exhausting".