To a substantial degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To a substantial degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable to a significant extent or level. Example: "The project was successful to a substantial degree, meeting most of the initial objectives set by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To a substantial degree it changed he way the theater operated in New York city," Mr. Houghton wrote.

The New York Times

To a substantial degree, the idea gained traction because political media in general still cling to the preposterous belief that the parties are equidistant from some notional "center" in American political life.

Huffington Post

To a substantial degree, the outcome in drug treatment of depression is dependent on the therapeutic alliance between the physician and the patient[ 36].

BMC Family Practice

Also PWV decreased substantially, while Aix increased to a substantial degree.

BioMed Research International

This destruction has, to a substantial degree, been self-inflicted.

Independent

Finance — the lifeblood of capitalism — has to a substantial degree been taken over by the state.

The New York Times

The answer is that the ritual arose, to a substantial degree, from a decree.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even if the potential for carbon sequestration can be realized to a substantial degree, many headaches still present themselves.

The New York Times - Science

What these new figures bring home is that lots of people have been benefiting, and to a substantial degree.

The Guardian - Opinion

He recovered to a substantial degree, and was after a time able to enjoy an active life again.

The Guardian

In seeking a balance that puts liberty first, my administration will unwind the surveillance apparatus to a substantial degree.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a substantial degree" to emphasize that something is affected significantly, but not entirely. It acknowledges partial influence or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "to a substantial degree" when the impact is either minimal or absolute. Choose a more fitting phrase that accurately reflects the level of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a substantial degree" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the extent or degree to which something is affected. It often highlights a notable, but not complete, influence or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to a substantial degree" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is affected to a significant, though not complete, extent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in formal and neutral registers, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "to a considerable extent" or "significantly" exist, "to a substantial degree" provides a specific nuance that acknowledges partial influence and adds precision to statements. Remember to avoid overstating the impact when using this phrase to maintain clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To a considerable extent

Replaces "substantial" with "considerable", indicating a significant amount or degree.

To a significant extent

Substitutes "substantial" with "significant", implying a noteworthy or important degree.

To a considerable degree

Changes "substantial" with "considerable", showing a significant amount or degree.

To a considerable extent

Swaps "substantial" for "considerable", indicating a notable amount or degree.

To a large extent

Uses "large" instead of "substantial", suggesting a considerable portion or degree.

To a great extent

Replaces "substantial" with "great", indicating a high level or degree.

To a marked degree

Substitutes "substantial" with "marked", highlighting a noticeable or distinct degree.

Significantly

Uses an adverb to replace the entire prepositional phrase, conveying a considerable impact.

Considerably

Replaces the entire phrase with an adverb, indicating a noticeable amount or degree.

Substantially

Uses an adverb to replace the phrase, conveying a significant amount or degree.

FAQs

What does "to a substantial degree" mean?

The phrase "to a substantial degree" means to a significant or considerable extent. It indicates that something is true or applicable to a noticeable level, but not completely or entirely.

How can I use "to a substantial degree" in a sentence?

You can use "to a substantial degree" to show the extent to which something affects something else. For example, "The project's success was due "to a substantial degree" to the team's hard work."

What are some alternatives "to a substantial degree"?

Alternatives include "to a considerable extent", "to a significant degree", "significantly", and "considerably".

Is it better to say "to a substantial degree" or "significantly"?

Both "to a substantial degree" and "significantly" are correct, but they may have slightly different connotations. "To a substantial degree" emphasizes the extent of the impact, while "significantly" emphasizes the importance of the impact.