How is he in his work? <"so-so" or "somewhat"?>

[semeeran]

Q: How is he in his work?
A: "so-so" or "somewhat".
Is this dialogue OK and acceptable?
Please comment.
Thanks.

 

[PaulQ]

I am not sure what you mean by "How is he in his work?" - could you rephrase it?

In the meantime, "somewhat" is an adverb that is mainly used to grade adjectives and other adverbs - it is not used on its own: somewhat happy; somewhat quickly; somewhat old; somewhat thoughtlessly, etc.

so-so (adjective) = average; unexciting; banal; ordinary, etc. Adjectives are used to describe people and things.

 

[semeeran]

He joined in a new job. His manager is asking about him to his supervisor.
Manager: How is he in his work?
Supervisor: "so-so" or "somewhat".
Is this dialogue OK and acceptable?
Thanks.

 

[PaulQ]

Thanks, see #12 above.

 

[semeeran]

PaulQ, Can I ask like below:
'How is he getting on in his work?'
Please comment. Thanks.

 

[PaulQ]

'How is he getting on in his work?' -> that sounds better.

 

[Highland Thing]

I am not sure what you mean by "How is he in his work?" - could you rephrase it?

In the meantime, "somewhat" is an adverb that is mainly used to grade adjectives and other adverbs - it is not used on its own: somewhat happy; somewhat quickly; somewhat old; somewhat thoughtlessly, etc.

Has the situation improved?
Yes, somewhat.
The situation has improved somewhat.

That's somewhat as an adverb used on its own.

 

[PaulQ]

Indeed - I was less than clear. As an adverb qualifying a verb, it is OK, in the way

A: "How do you want me to do the job?"
B: "Quickly"

is OK, but it doesn't work with "to be".

 

[Highland Thing]

Indeed - I was less than clear. As an adverb qualifying a verb, it is OK, in the way

A: "How do you want me to do the job?"
B: "Quickly"

is OK, but it doesn't work with "to be".

Right, yes; in the sense you (and OP) intended, what you said was right on the mark.