Why use a hedge?
A hedge does not automatically make a sentence correct or academic. It identifies the limits of a claim: the writer either leaves it open to argument or describes only a partial degree.
A categorical sentence can be grammatically correct and appropriate when the evidence is sufficient. The choice of hedge therefore depends on meaning and evidence, rather than a ban on words such as definitely or all.
precise claim + appropriate hedge = calibrated position
The timetable is somewhat optimistic.
The timetable is somewhat optimistic.
Somewhat reduces the degree of optimistic without casting doubt on the fact that an assessment is being made.
The timetable is definitely unrealistic.
The timetable is definitely unrealistic.
This is a grammatical, strong assertion. It requires stronger evidence, but is not an error in itself.
Arguably: a defensible claim
Arguably means roughly “it can reasonably be argued”. It comments on a whole claim or its central assessment, rather than simply describing a small amount of a quality.
In formal writing, arguably often appears at the beginning of a sentence or before the part of the predicate presented as open to debate. An initial hedge is usually followed by a comma.
Arguably, + clause; or: subject + arguably + predicate
- subject / S —
- The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
Arguably, this is the report's strongest chapter.
Arguably, this is the report's strongest chapter.
The writer offers an evaluative claim and acknowledges that it can be debated.
The redesign arguably improved access for new users.
The redesign arguably improved access for new users.
Arguably applies to the claim about the redesign’s effect, rather than the degree of access itself.
Somewhat: a smaller degree
Somewhat is a formal adverb of degree meaning “rather” or “to a certain degree”. It naturally modifies gradable adjectives, adverbs, comparatives and some verbs of change.
After be, it comes before the adjective: was somewhat unclear. With another main verb, it can follow the verb or precede the relevant component: changed somewhat; somewhat reduced the risk.
be + somewhat + adjective; verb + somewhat; somewhat + comparative
- verb / V —
- A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
- adjective —
- A word describing what someone or something is like: happy, tired, interesting.
The revised instructions are somewhat clearer.
The revised instructions are somewhat clearer.
The hedge limits the degree of the comparative quality clearer.
Attendance declined somewhat in August.
Attendance declined somewhat in August.
Somewhat after declined describes a small degree of change.
To some extent: partial truth or scope
To some extent means “to a certain degree” or “partly, but not completely”. It can qualify a whole claim, especially when its limits are explained afterwards.
At the beginning of a sentence, the phrase is usually followed by a comma. It can also appear at the end or within the sentence if its scope is clear: The policy worked to some extent.
To some extent, + clause; or: clause + to some extent
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
To some extent, the criticism is justified.
To some extent, the criticism is justified.
The writer accepts part of the criticism without accepting it completely.
The subsidy reduced costs to some extent, but transport remained expensive.
The subsidy reduced costs to some extent, but transport remained expensive.
The final hedge limits the scope of the result, and but identifies a specific limitation.
Not interchangeable synonyms
Somewhat and to some extent can both express an incomplete degree, but fit into sentences differently. Somewhat compactly modifies a word or phrase; to some extent is convenient for qualifying an entire claim or result.
Arguably does not mean “a little”. It concerns the status of a claim: there is an argument for it. Thus arguably expensive means “it can be argued that it is expensive”, whereas somewhat expensive means “expensive to a certain degree”.
arguably — a claim that can be supported; somewhat / to some extent — a limited degree
The proposal is arguably impractical.
The proposal is arguably impractical.
This is an assessment of the whole proposal that is open to debate.
The proposal is somewhat impractical.
The proposal is somewhat impractical.
This concerns the degree of impracticality, rather than whether the claim can be defended.
Precision, scope and use in your own writing
First formulate a precise claim, then ask what the hedge limits: its evidential status or its degree? This prevents thoughtlessly piling arguably, somewhat and perhaps into one sentence.
A hedge helps in a review, report or discussion when a limitation really matters. Name that limitation: To some extent, the pilot succeeded, but it did not reach rural users. Caution then adds precision rather than concealing your position.
formulate the claim → identify what you are limiting → choose the expression → explain the limitation
Arguably, the pilot succeeded; to some extent, however, its reach remained limited.
Arguably, the pilot succeeded; to some extent, however, its reach remained limited.
The first part evaluates a claim; the second describes the degree of a specific limitation.
The interface is somewhat dense, but experienced users may value the detail.
The interface is somewhat dense, but experienced users may value the detail.
The hedge softens the degree of criticism, and the following clause balances the assessment.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:The findings somewhat were surprising.
Correct:The findings were somewhat surprising.
When be is the main linking verb, put somewhat after be and before the adjective.
Incorrect:The policy succeeded to some extend.
Correct:The policy succeeded to some extent.
The fixed phrase requires the noun extent, not the verb extend.
Incorrect:Arguably, the proposal it is too expensive.
Correct:Arguably, the proposal is too expensive.
Do not add an extra pronoun subject it after the initial adverb.
Incorrect:The explanation was somewhat of unclear.
Correct:The explanation was somewhat unclear.
Use somewhat before the adjective unclear without of. Somewhat of a is possible with a noun phrase, as in somewhat of a surprise.