somewhat tumultuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat tumultuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or period that is characterized by disorder, confusion, or instability, but to a lesser degree. Example: "The negotiations were somewhat tumultuous, with frequent disagreements and heated discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

His museum career was somewhat tumultuous, however.

The New York Times - Arts

McCain has had a somewhat tumultuous relationship with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump throughout this campaign season.

The Washington Post

The Western part enjoys unprecedented prosperity, functioning democracies and a somewhat tumultuous but ultimately effective system of conducting interstate affairs on a secure and peaceful basis.

The New York Times

The leader of the Landmarks Preservation Commission in New York City is leaving after nearly four years of a somewhat tumultuous stewardship.

The New York Times

Reno and Clinton endured a somewhat tumultuous relationship, even though she served his cabinet for nearly the entirety of his presidency.

The Guardian

As Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, undergoes a somewhat tumultuous transition from a Soviet-style system of economic management to a more market-oriented economy, the number of land-seizure cases appears to be increasing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

THE story of the national housing market — and the somewhat less tumultuous New York City subplot — has been one of great extremes: bubbles, booms and busts, crashes and comebacks, misery and euphoria.

The New York Times

Looking tired after their journey and somewhat intimidated by a tumultuous reception, the women were soon confronted by 40 television cameras, a blaze of flashbulbs and 100 reporters from around the world at a news conference that erupted frequently in shouting matches among journalists in a circus atmosphere that reflected the tensions and competitiveness of the case.

The New York Times

His statistics declined over the next two seasons, struggling through a tumultuous campaign and somewhat bouncing back in, however still not approaching his 2008 numbers.

Wikipedia

And last night's developments must have come as somewhat of a relief after a tumultuous last few weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

and the ongoing saga at Ohio State has been North Carolina's tumultuous summer: out goes Butch Davis, somewhat surprisingly, and in comes the defensive coordinator Everett Whithers, who will run the ship on an interim basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat tumultuous" to describe situations that are unsettled or disturbed but not entirely chaotic. This phrase adds nuance, suggesting a degree of turbulence without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat tumultuous" when the situation is extremely chaotic or overwhelmingly turbulent. In those cases, a stronger adjective is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat tumultuous" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe something characterized by a moderate degree of disturbance or disorder. Ludwig AI confirms the expression’s usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat tumultuous" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing situations or periods that are marked by a moderate level of disturbance or disorder. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in English and appears primarily in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the situation and whether a stronger or more specific adjective would be more appropriate. Be mindful of not overstating the intensity and consider alternatives like "slightly chaotic" or "moderately turbulent" for different nuances. Though not exceedingly common, its precise meaning makes it valuable for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately turbulent

Focuses on the instability and agitation inherent in the situation.

rather turbulent

Similar to 'moderately turbulent', but slightly more informal.

moderately unstable

Highlights the lack of firmness and the potential for change or collapse.

slightly chaotic

Emphasizes the disorganization and lack of order more directly than "somewhat tumultuous".

a little chaotic

Similar to 'slightly chaotic' but with a more casual tone.

somewhat agitated

Emphasizes the stirred-up or excited state of affairs.

rather unsettled

Highlights the lack of stability and peace, suggesting a degree of anxiety.

slightly disruptive

Focuses on the way the situation interferes with the normal course of events.

relatively disturbed

Suggests a disruption that is noticeable but not extreme.

a bit disturbed

Suggests a disruption of the normal state, with a focus on the emotional impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat tumultuous" to describe periods, relationships, or situations that involve a moderate level of disturbance or instability. For example, "The negotiations were "somewhat tumultuous", with frequent disagreements" or "Her career path was "somewhat tumultuous", marked by several unexpected turns".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat tumultuous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "slightly chaotic", "moderately turbulent", or "rather unsettled" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "somewhat tumultuous" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and conveys a specific degree of disturbance. However, consider the audience and choose the most precise language for the context. For highly formal settings, "moderately turbulent" might be a more appropriate alternative.

What's the difference between "tumultuous" and "somewhat tumultuous"?

"Tumultuous" implies a high degree of disturbance, chaos, or agitation. "Somewhat tumultuous" indicates that these qualities are present, but to a lesser extent. The addition of "somewhat" moderates the intensity of the adjective.