somewhat weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks strength, intensity, or effectiveness, often in a subjective context. Example: "The argument presented in the debate was somewhat weak, failing to convince the audience of its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even aided by a microphone, his sound was somewhat weak.

The New York Times - Arts

A homemade breakfast (eggs, fresh biscuits, cereal and somewhat weak coffee) is included.

The New York Times - Travel

Still, some members of the committee said the evidence was somewhat weak because that trial involved only 127 men.

The New York Times

On the negative side, autos are sluggish domestically, construction materials for the residential market are pretty weak, things like appliances and furniture are somewhat weak".

The New York Times

"As new owners acquire properties at higher prices, they are raising prices higher than our somewhat weak rent control laws allow, and evicting people illegally," Ms. Nadel said.

The New York Times

But they fuelled the boom by buying or guaranteeing them.I actually think that the evidence for Mr Rajan's argument here is somewhat weak.

The Economist

One argument against curtailing the mortgage deduction is that it could reduce demand for housing, depressing home prices when the housing market is still somewhat weak.

The New York Times

They noted that while software sales were up, particularly relative to a somewhat weak quarter a year ago, overall revenue growth was held back by a decline in consulting business.

The New York Times

The governor of the Bank of Japan, Toshihiko Fukui, above, said last week that consumer spending and inflation had been "somewhat weak," spurring speculation the bank would delay raising the lowest interest rates among major economies.

The New York Times

The bank also warned that business sentiment had been "somewhat weak," signaling that it saw its latest Tankan survey, an economic survey of Japanese businesses, as offering negative signals for the economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We highlighted the Rez Trance Vibrator as a private-time plaything last year, our writer explaining that the music-responsive buzzer was "somewhat 'weak' for a sex toy, though nonetheless pleasurable".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat weak", consider the specific type of weakness you're describing. Choose a more precise adjective if possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "somewhat weak" in academic or professional writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound less confident and less precise. Opt for stronger, more descriptive terms where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat weak" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to describe nouns. It indicates that the noun possesses a degree of weakness that is not negligible but also not extreme. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's a common way to qualify a characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat weak" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something lacking strength, intensity, or effectiveness to a moderate degree. According to Ludwig, it functions as a modifier, adding nuance to statements across various contexts, primarily in news and scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to consider more precise adjectives in formal writing to avoid sounding vague. Remember that Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite weak

Emphasizes the weakness, suggesting it is noticeable but not extreme.

relatively weak

Indicates weakness in comparison to something else.

moderately weak

Highlights the moderate level of weakness.

fairly weak

Suggests a considerable degree of weakness.

slightly weak

Indicates a minimal degree of weakness.

somewhat feeble

Implies weakness in terms of ineffectiveness or frailty.

a bit weak

Uses a more informal tone to describe the weakness.

rather weak

Adds a touch of formality in expressing the weakness.

somewhat frail

Highlights a delicate or fragile type of weakness.

a little weak

Describes the weakness in a slightly understated way.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat weak" to describe anything that lacks strength or intensity to a moderate degree. For example, "The evidence presented was somewhat weak" or "His argument was somewhat weak and unconvincing".

What can I say instead of "somewhat weak"?

You can use alternatives like "quite weak", "fairly weak", or "relatively weak" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a little weak" instead of "somewhat weak"?

Yes, "a little weak" is a valid and more informal alternative to "somewhat weak". It conveys a similar meaning, indicating a slight lack of strength or intensity.

What is the difference between "somewhat weak" and "very weak"?

"Somewhat weak" indicates a moderate degree of weakness, while "very weak" suggests a much greater degree of deficiency. "Somewhat weak" implies that there is still some strength present, whereas "very weak" suggests minimal or no strength.