To a sufficient extent

USAGE SUMMARY

"to a sufficient extent" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing whether something meets a necessary level or degree. Example: "The research was conducted to a sufficient extent to draw valid conclusions." Alternative expressions include "to an adequate degree" and "to a satisfactory level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Feral pigeons appear to harbour ornithosis (psittacosis) to a sufficient extent to provide a potential human risk.

Britannica

Plaintiffs, on the other hand, introduced proof that Mrs. McDougald responded to certain stimuli to a sufficient extent to indicate that she was aware of her circumstances.

Harvard University

They have taken on many of the traditional functions of motherhood – cooking, cleaning, childcare – not to an equal extent and not to a sufficient extent, but most have tried hard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I could not learn anything from the ninth grade history textbook because it did not explain events to a sufficient extent and did not analyze the implementations of the events".

The New Yorker

In "A Healthy Way to Extend Food Life" (Forum, June 1), Sharon Bomer states that "Irradiation works by breaking apart molecules in the bacteria and insects that cause spoilage and disease". If molecules in pathogens are broken to a sufficient extent to kill the organism, then molecules in the food must also be broken.

The New York Times

Equally, while additional steps could be taken to educate retail investors on their information and voting rights, it is open to question whether individuals are likely to engage with the companies in which they have invested to a sufficient extent to allow them to constitute a significant voting bloc.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Siltation of dams can have the most dramatic erosion consequences; it takes a sufficient extent in Algeria.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Differences between those two customary method of power calculation and exact data simulation only occur when subgroups have very low probabilities and the simulated overall sample size is not large enough to include all possible groups to sufficient extent; these small groups may then not be represented in the exact power simulation, while they may be (more or less) represented in other methods.

Behavior Genetics

Although rockets, missiles, and fluid reservoirs are mostly cylindrical shells rather than beams, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it seems the dynamic stability of complete cylindrical shells undergoing follower forces has not been studied to the sufficient extent.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Instead, the peroxisomal metabolic pathways, which can function to sufficient extent in the cytosol, appear to contribute to virulence.

Cellular Microbiology

The complete IBP removal and decrease of TOC to sufficient extent was stated in optimal experimental conditions and biodegradability and average oxidation state (AOS) results conducted suggest a post-biological treatment of solution.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a sufficient extent" when you want to emphasize that something has reached a necessary level or degree for a specific purpose or outcome. Be mindful of the context to ensure it clearly conveys the intended meaning of adequacy or enoughness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to a sufficient extent" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "enough" or "sufficiently" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a sufficient extent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the degree or level to which an action or state is achieved. It describes the extent to which something is adequate or enough, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to a sufficient extent" functions as an adverbial phrase used to denote that something has reached the necessary degree or level. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it appears commonly in scientific and academic writing, its formality might make it less suitable for casual conversation. For alternative expressions, one could use "to an adequate degree" or "enough". Remember to consider the context and intended audience when choosing whether to employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to an adequate degree

Replaces "sufficient" with "adequate", indicating a satisfactory level but with a slightly different nuance.

to a satisfactory level

Substitutes "sufficient extent" with "satisfactory level", emphasizing contentment with the achieved degree.

sufficiently

An adverbial form that conveys the idea of being adequate for a purpose.

to a considerable degree

Uses "considerable" instead of "sufficient", suggesting a notable or significant amount.

to an appreciable degree

Employs "appreciable" to convey that the extent is noticeable or measurable.

to a marked degree

Replaces "sufficient" with "marked", highlighting that the extent is clearly noticeable or significant.

to a noticeable degree

Uses "noticeable" instead of "sufficient", indicating that the extent is easily observed.

to a reasonable extent

Substitutes "sufficient" with "reasonable", implying that the extent is fair and appropriate.

to a certain degree

Uses "certain" instead of "sufficient", suggesting a specific but not necessarily large amount.

enough

A simpler, more direct way of saying something reaches the required level.

FAQs

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

Use "to a sufficient extent" to indicate that something has reached the necessary degree or level. For example: "The research was conducted to a sufficient extent to draw valid conclusions."

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

You can use alternatives like "to an adequate degree", "to a satisfactory level", or "enough" depending on the context.

Is "to a sufficient extent" formal or informal?

"To a sufficient extent" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "enough" or "sufficiently".

When is it appropriate to use "to a sufficient extent" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or when you need to precisely convey that something has reached a necessary or adequate level. However, be mindful of overusing it in casual conversation.