somewhat too small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat too small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an object or item that is slightly smaller than desired or expected. Example: "The shirt I ordered is somewhat too small, so I will need to exchange it for a larger size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Take jeans that you never wear any more or are somewhat too small for you, and cut them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For the control group, the simulated size distribution was somewhat less favourable (61% small tumours simulated vs 66% observed) and for the study group, the simulated size distribution was somewhat too favourable (77% small tumours simulated vs 73% observed).

British Journal of Cancer

"She was coming back and I was in the kitchen naked, making fake blood…" Adrian – who these days goes by Henry – was present too, small and somewhat wrinkly with cropped white hair, piercing eyes and a pleasant manner.

The Guardian - Film

Measured values of P are somewhat larger than predicted, and too small a temperature dependence is predicted at low supercoolings.

Polymer

For large get-togethers though it can be somewhat impersonal because hotel rooms are too small to accommodate everybody for a chat or to play a game and so you end up with dispersed mini-groups within the get together.

WikiHow

But the combination of an outsize will in a somewhat plodding, too-small frame led to so many concussions that he walked away before the start of his sophomore season.

The New York Times - Magazine

"For me, the texture of the tear pea somewhat lacks crunchiness because it is just too small".

The New York Times

The relative risks change somewhat after adjustment for this variable but the subgroup is too small and the relationship is intact for widows that have not been treated for mental health problems.

British Journal of Cancer

Compared with modern humans, the new species had proportionately long arms, a projecting face somewhat like a chimp's, large teeth, and a smaller brain although not too small for verbal communication.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

While this peptide is somewhat longer than the typical upper limit to solid phase synthesis, it is too small and aggregation prone for successful cell production unless it is fused with a partner that limits its aggregation.

Biochemistry

Conversely, for those aged 50 years or older at diagnosis, black females (n=50) had somewhat better survival at 36 months (P=0.08) than white females (n=802), although the sample size was too small to draw any definitive conclusions.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat too small", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what the object is too small for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat too small" when the object is significantly undersized. The term implies a minor discrepancy, so using it for a major size difference would be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat too small" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the degree to which something lacks sufficient size. It's used to qualify another noun or noun phrase. As validated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat too small" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is slightly smaller than desired. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is acceptable and functions as an adjectival modifier. While its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, including news and scientific writing, its frequency is relatively rare. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the object is too small for to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit undersized

Replaces "somewhat too small" with a slightly more informal term, focusing on the insufficient size.

slightly smaller than ideal

Substitutes "somewhat too small" with a more descriptive and formal expression.

marginally inadequate in size

Emphasizes the deficiency in size using more technical and formal language.

just a tad small

Offers a casual and understated alternative to express the minor inadequacy.

relatively petite

Uses a gentler term to imply the smallness, suitable when a less critical tone is desired.

somewhat diminutive

Employs a sophisticated vocabulary to denote the reduced size, adding a touch of elegance.

noticeably undersized

Shifts the focus to the ease with which the small size is observed, adding emphasis.

fractionally too little

Replaces the size description with a focus on quantity, suggesting a slight shortage.

scarcely big enough

Implies that the size is barely sufficient, highlighting the narrow margin of adequacy.

inconsiderably small

Uses a more technical term, signaling that the smallness is negligible or not worth considering.

FAQs

What does "somewhat too small" mean?

The phrase "somewhat too small" describes something that is slightly smaller than desired or necessary. It indicates a minor degree of inadequacy in size.

How can I use "somewhat too small" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat too small" to describe clothing, spaces, or any object that doesn't quite meet the required dimensions. For example, "The room was "a bit undersized" for the conference."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat too small"?

Alternatives to "somewhat too small" include "slightly smaller than ideal", "a bit undersized", or "just a tad small". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and precision.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat too small" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat too small" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although you might consider more precise alternatives like "marginally inadequate in size" if greater specificity is required.