To a certain extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to a certain extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to qualify or limit the truth or scope of a statement while conceding some validity to it. For example, you might say, "I agree with you to a certain extent, but I do not share your opinion entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To a certain extent.

The New York Times

To a certain extent, yes.

The New York Times

To a certain extent, they did.

Independent

To a certain extent, that makes sense.

The New York Times

To a certain extent, they already have.

The New York Times

To a certain extent I feel sympathy.

The Guardian

To a certain extent Boswarva agrees.

The Guardian

"To a certain extent," Grosen said, backpedalling.

The New Yorker

To a certain extent, they're right.

Forbes

To a certain extent, it's true.

Science Magazine

To a certain extent makes sense.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a certain extent" when you want to acknowledge a point but not fully agree with it. It allows you to express nuanced opinions and avoid absolute statements.

Common error

While useful, overusing "to a certain extent" can make your writing sound hesitant. Vary your language by using alternatives like "partly", "somewhat", or "to some degree" to maintain a dynamic and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a certain extent" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the degree or scope of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase indicates that something is true or applicable, but not entirely or without limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to a certain extent" serves as a valuable tool for expressing nuanced opinions and avoiding absolute statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usability. It functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that a statement is true or applicable, but not entirely. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While highly versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "to some degree" or "partly" to maintain a dynamic writing style. Remember to use "to a certain extent" when you want to acknowledge a point without fully agreeing with it, providing a balanced and well-considered perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to some degree

Indicates a partial or limited agreement, similar to "to a certain extent" but uses different wording.

to a degree

A more concise way of expressing partial agreement or limited truth, simplifying the original phrase.

to a limited degree

Emphasizes the restriction or limitation of the agreement or truth.

to a point

Similar to "up to a point", this phrase suggests a limitation on agreement or validity, using slightly different wording.

in part

Suggests that something is true or accurate only partially, offering a more concise alternative.

up to a point

Implies agreement or truthfulness limited by certain conditions or boundaries.

within limits

Highlights that the agreement or validity is bounded by specific constraints.

somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree of agreement or truth, providing a less emphatic alternative.

partly

A single-word alternative that conveys the idea of something being partially true or valid.

in a way

Offers a more subtle and nuanced expression of partial agreement or limited perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "to a certain extent" in a sentence?

Use "to a certain extent" to express partial agreement or to qualify a statement. For example, "I agree with your points "to a certain extent", but I have some reservations."

What are some alternatives to "to a certain extent"?

Alternatives include "to some degree", "in part", "up to a point", or "somewhat". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to a certain extent" or "to a certain degree"?

Both "to a certain extent" and "to a certain degree" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific context.

Can "to a certain extent" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "to a certain extent" is appropriate for formal writing, but use it judiciously. Overuse can make your writing sound less confident. Consider stronger, more specific qualifiers when possible.