To a limited extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To a limited extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable only to a certain degree or within certain boundaries. Example: "The new policy will improve efficiency, but only to a limited extent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To a limited extent, foreigners do indeed hold some influence.

The Economist

To a limited extent, war had been photographed before.

The New York Times

To a limited extent, these changes may work to Mr. Bloomberg's advantage.

The New York Times

To a limited extent, that is what Mr. Colescott and his wife, Joan, have decided to do.

The New York Times

To a limited extent, the answer is yes.

TechCrunch

"To a limited extent, the state can substitute for foreign lenders in strategic sectors.

BBC

To a limited extent, those traditions have even influenced architectural practice.

SEP

To a limited extent, increasing the depth of water enhanced the reduction of resonant frequencies.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

To a limited extent, direct intracranial measures have provided some validation of these conclusions.

Plosone

Yes, to a limited extent.

The Economist

Polygyny is practiced to a limited extent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a limited extent" to acknowledge nuance and avoid overstating a claim. It's particularly useful when discussing complex issues where multiple factors are at play.

Common error

Avoid using "to a limited extent" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. If something is only true to a very small degree, consider stating that it is not true at all, or rephrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a limited extent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree to which something is true or applicable. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase qualifies statements across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to a limited extent" functions as an adverbial phrase used to qualify statements and introduce nuance. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, notably in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. While grammatically correct and commonly used, overusing it can weaken writing. Consider using alternatives like "to some degree" or "partially" for variety. Ludwig AI confirms the reliability and usability of "to a limited extent" in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To a certain degree

Emphasizes the existence of something to some measurable level.

To some extent

A general alternative that implies a partial effect or truth.

To a degree

Focuses on the existence of a measurable level or extent.

Partially

A single-word alternative that directly indicates a state of being incomplete.

In part

Suggests that something is true or responsible for only a portion of the whole.

Only in part

Emphasizes the partial nature of something, excluding the whole.

Up to a point

Implies a limit beyond which something is no longer true or effective.

Not entirely

Suggests that something is not completely true or accurate.

Within limits

Highlights the existence of specific restrictions or boundaries.

So far

Implies something is only partially explored or understood.

FAQs

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

Use "to a limited extent" to indicate that something is true or effective only in certain ways or within specific boundaries. For example, "The new policy improved efficiency, but only "to a limited extent"."

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

You can use alternatives like "to some degree", "to a certain extent", or "partially" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to a limited extent" or "to a great extent"?

The choice depends on the degree to which something is true or effective. Use "to a great extent" when something is largely or mostly true, and ""to a limited extent"" when it is only partially true.

What's the difference between "to a limited extent" and "not at all"?

"To a limited extent" means something is true or effective in some ways, while "not at all" means it is completely untrue or ineffective. The former acknowledges some degree of validity, however small.