somewhat.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moderate degree or extent of something, often in a context where you want to express that something is not entirely true or complete. Example: "The project is somewhat behind schedule, but we are still on track to meet our overall deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

"The idea that students should seek permission for protest action somewhat misses the point of an occupation action.

The Guardian

Xosar has risen in stature as a figurehead of a somewhat cosmic live hardware scene, self-releasing records with titles such as Psychick Justice, while simultaneously checking in with a plethora of tastemaker labels.

The Guardian - Music

But the site's credibility was undermined somewhat when Monster's Patty Jenkins was last night revealed to have taken the job.

The Guardian - Film

The situations are somewhat different (although not by much, some would argue).

The Guardian

A car is a must for exploring this somewhat sprawling island, and handy for picking up groceries to cook in the cottage kitchens – taking taxis will put a good dent in your budget.

The Guardian - Travel

The works, which he trailed on his Instagram account last night, include one piece which somewhat resembles Rodin's sculpture The Thinker, with the figure's hand gone from thoughtfully supporting his face to covering it in despair – or perhaps Niobe, the classical figure weeping for the loss of her children.

The Guardian - Arts

Or when she started making out with a somewhat surprised Bono?

The Guardian - Film

Then Snoop himself emerges in the guise of his recent dancehall reggae persona Snoop Lion for a laid-back rendition of Here Comes The King that suggests he's somewhat subdued by something.

The Guardian - Music

Fitzpatrick said he was "somewhat confused by looking at the explanations for the price rises over the past three or four weeks because we do not see really the same impact, especially in wholesale commodity prices.

The Guardian - Business

We shouldn't be surprised to see growth moderate somewhat from the very robust rate in the preceding quarter.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat" to express a moderate degree or qualification. It is useful when you want to avoid making a strong or absolute statement.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can make your statements sound vague or indecisive. Opt for more precise language to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "somewhat" is as an adverb of degree. It modifies adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to indicate a moderate extent or degree. Ludwig examples show its role in qualifying statements to avoid absoluteness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat" functions as an adverb to express a moderate degree or extent. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. It's a versatile term that softens statements and introduces nuance. While "somewhat" is useful in many contexts, it's important to use it judiciously in formal writing to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like ""to some extent"", ""partially"", or ""slightly"" for clarity. The analysis provided offers insights into its proper usage, common errors, and linguistic characteristics, making it easier to integrate "somewhat" effectively into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To some extent

Indicates a partial degree, similar to "somewhat" but expressed as a prepositional phrase.

Partially

Directly expresses that something is not complete or total, similar to "somewhat".

Slightly

Emphasizes a small degree or amount, similar to "somewhat" but implies a lesser impact.

Moderately

Suggests a medium degree, closely aligned with the meaning of "somewhat".

Relatively

Indicates a degree in comparison to something else, similar to "somewhat" in conveying a limited aspect.

Reasonably

Implies a satisfactory but not exceptional level, akin to "somewhat" in indicating moderation.

Fairly

Similar to "somewhat", indicating a degree that is adequate but not outstanding.

Kind of

An informal way of saying "somewhat", suggesting a partial or limited quality.

More or less

Indicates approximation or a general degree, similar to "somewhat" in conveying a non-exact extent.

A little

Suggests a small quantity or degree, similar to "somewhat" but emphasizing the smallness.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat" in a sentence?

"Somewhat" is typically used as an adverb to modify adjectives or verbs, indicating a moderate degree. For example, "The movie was "somewhat entertaining"" or "I am "somewhat concerned" about the situation."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to some extent", "partially", "slightly", or "moderately".

Is it better to use "somewhat" or "a little"?

Both "somewhat" and "a little" indicate a small degree, but "somewhat" is generally considered more formal. Use "a little" in informal contexts and "somewhat" in more formal or professional settings.

Can "somewhat" be used to describe people?

Yes, "somewhat" can be used to describe people's characteristics or states. For example, "He was "somewhat reserved"" or "She seemed "somewhat annoyed" by the delay."