somewhat unconventional

USAGE SUMMARY

"somewhat unconventional" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not quite normal or unexpected but also not entirely unusual or weird. For example, you could say: "The couple's wedding ceremony was somewhat unconventional, featuring several unusual elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Even the project's origins were somewhat unconventional.

The New York Times

This is a somewhat unconventional state, politically speaking.

The New York Times

"It's a somewhat unconventional method to weigh in on a very serious issue," Mr. Bearse said.

The New York Times

John McKay, the fifth child, has a somewhat unconventional résumé for a U.S. Attorney.

The New Yorker

Rather, the somewhat unconventional way he decided to confirm the long-rumoured news.

Independent

We began our somewhat unconventional family holiday with a stay in Berlin.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

These cover a lot of scientific ground in a short time, using an unconventional, somewhat snarky and irreverent writing style, that I think many will find entertaining and informative.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Russell's "World of Echo" collects somewhat traditional rock songs, unconventional instrumentals, and more.

The New Yorker

While the story is told from Ben's point of view, it is the charismatic, unconventional and somewhat unstable Jill who dominates.

The New York Times - Books

She's taken on a number of my own characteristics: a somewhat cynical worldview, an unconventional sense of humor, an intolerance for the criminal and sympathy for the victim.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a great phone and actually somewhat of a shame that the unconventional — for the US anyway — retail channel limited its sales.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat unconventional" when you want to acknowledge that something deviates from the norm, but not drastically so. It's suitable for describing methods, approaches, or styles that have unique characteristics without being entirely bizarre.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat unconventional" when describing something that is truly radical or unprecedented. Reserve the phrase for situations where the deviation is noticeable but not extreme. If it's revolutionary, find a stronger descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat unconventional" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes a noun. According to Ludwig, it indicates a degree of deviation from what is considered typical or standard, without being extreme. It softens the impact of "unconventional."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat unconventional" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that deviates moderately from the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase with a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the unconventionality is not overstated and consider alternatives like "mildly unconventional" for nuances. Avoiding overstatement is a key best practice to remember.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mildly unconventional

Indicates a slightly lower degree of deviation from the norm.

slightly unusual

Focuses on the rarity aspect, implying a moderate deviation.

moderately unorthodox

Emphasizes the departure from established norms or traditions, using a more formal tone.

a bit out of the ordinary

Uses a more colloquial tone to express a slight departure from what is typical.

somewhat non-traditional

Highlights the departure from established customs or practices.

a little different

Offers a simpler and more general way of expressing a slight deviation.

relatively uncommon

Focuses on the infrequency of something, implying a departure from what is typical.

not entirely standard

Emphasizes the departure from established standards or norms.

slightly offbeat

Implies a quirky or eccentric deviation from the norm.

kind of unusual

A more casual way of expressing that something is not entirely typical.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat unconventional" to describe something that deviates slightly from the norm. For instance, "Their approach to marketing was "somewhat unconventional", but surprisingly effective".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat unconventional"?

Alternatives include "slightly unusual", "moderately unorthodox", or "a bit out of the ordinary". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat unconventional" formal or informal?

"Somewhat unconventional" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "moderately unorthodox".

What's the difference between "somewhat unconventional" and "completely unconventional"?

"Somewhat unconventional" indicates a moderate departure from the norm, while "completely unconventional" suggests a total or extreme deviation. The degree of difference is significant; "somewhat" implies it's still recognizable, while "completely" suggests it's unprecedented.