somewhat to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat to" can be used in written English, but it may sound more formal or literary.
It can be used to express a partial or moderate degree of something. Example: "He was somewhat to blame for the accident, but ultimately it was the poor road conditions that caused it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're all somewhat to blame.

The New York Times

Somewhat to their shock, a buyer emerged.

The New York Times

Somewhat to Lenny's surprise, Meg turns up.

The New Yorker

This was "somewhat to my surprise".

The Guardian

Somewhat to his surprise, he did.

The New York Times

Yesterday, Mr. Bloomberg hewed somewhat to that program.

The New York Times

They might decline somewhat to adjust to rising interest rates.

The New York Times

Random House, somewhat to Lovell's surprise, ultimately scrapped Bird's version.

The New Yorker

He laughed and, somewhat to my relief, agreed.

The New York Times - Magazine

But is he not in thrall, somewhat, to their charm?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Sweden Democrats have tried, somewhat, to soften their image.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat to" to express a moderate degree or extent of something. It works well when you want to avoid strong assertions and convey a sense of measured observation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "somewhat to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "kind of" or "a bit" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat to" functions as a qualifier, modifying the degree or extent of an action, state, or quality. It often introduces an element of surprise or unexpectedness, as seen in Ludwig's examples where something happens "somewhat to" someone's surprise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat to" functions as a versatile qualifier, adding a layer of moderation or mild surprise to statements. While "somewhat to" is grammatically correct, it often conveys a sense of unexpectedness or surprise, softening assertions and creating a measured tone. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Science sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, bear in mind that although there are numerous contexts of usage, overusing "somewhat to" in informal contexts may result in stylistic infelicities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly towards

Emphasizes a minor directional bias or shift.

leaning slightly towards

Depicts a minor inclination or preference.

a little toward

Indicates a small degree of movement or leaning in a particular direction.

to some extent toward

Indicates a degree of movement or leaning in a direction.

partially inclined toward

Highlights a partial tendency or preference.

somewhat surprised by

Focuses on a moderate level of astonishment.

rather unexpectedly

Focuses on the element of surprise.

relatively close to

Suggests a moderate proximity or similarity.

marginally close to

Suggests a small amount of proximity or similarity.

moderately in agreement with

Implies a limited consensus or concurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat to" to indicate a partial or moderate degree. For example, "The results were "somewhat to" my surprise" or "The changes are "somewhat to" their advantage".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat to"?

Alternatives include "slightly towards", "a little toward", or "partially inclined toward", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "somewhat to" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "somewhat to" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "kind of" or "a bit".

What's the difference between "somewhat to" and "rather to"?

"Somewhat to" suggests a moderate degree, while "rather to" can imply a higher degree or a sense of preference. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.