a certain degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain degree" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a specific level or extent of something. Example: "The success of the project will depend on a certain degree of collaboration between the different departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To a certain degree, yes.

The New York Times

That's understandable, to a certain degree.

The New York Times

"A certain degree of risk is accepted.

The New York Times - Books

They've succeeded, to a certain degree.

The New York Times - Books

To a certain degree, totally.

The Guardian

Agreed to a certain degree.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a certain degree of shame".

The Guardian

And to a certain degree it's working.

The Guardian

Then there's a certain degree of exhibitionism.

The New York Times - Style

And with a certain degree of fear.

The Guardian - Books

"It works to a certain degree.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain degree" to add nuance and precision to your writing, indicating that something is true or valid, but not entirely or completely. This avoids overstatements and provides a more balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a certain degree" as it can weaken your writing and make it seem less confident. If possible, quantify the degree or provide specific examples to support your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain degree" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it is true or applicable only to a limited extent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It adds nuance by suggesting that something is not absolute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain degree" is a versatile qualifier used to express partial extent or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is essential for adding nuance and avoiding overstatements, overuse can weaken writing. Consider alternatives like "to some extent" or specific quantifications for clarity. Understanding its function, purpose, and register allows for effective use in both formal and informal communication. Be mindful of its frequency and replace when more specificity is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to some extent

Indicates a partial agreement or truth, similar to "a certain degree" but focuses on the level of agreement.

to a limited extent

Emphasizes the restriction or boundary of something, indicating it's not complete.

within limits

Highlights that something is true or possible only under specific constraints or boundaries.

up to a point

Implies validity or effectiveness only until a specific threshold or condition is met.

somewhat

A shorter, more informal way of indicating a partial degree or extent.

partially

Directly indicates that something is only partly true or complete.

in part

Similar to partially, emphasizing that only a portion is involved.

to a certain level

Specifies that something reaches a particular standard or stage, but not necessarily complete.

relatively

Indicates a comparison, suggesting something is true or valid in comparison to something else.

moderately

Suggests a middle ground or average level, less intense than fully or completely.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain degree" in a sentence?

Use "a certain degree" to qualify a statement, indicating a partial or limited extent. For example, "The plan's success depends on "a certain degree" of cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "a certain degree"?

Alternatives include "to some extent", "partially", or "up to a point", depending on the context. These options can provide similar nuance while diversifying your language.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain degree"?

While "a certain degree" adds nuance, being specific can strengthen your writing. Instead of saying "It helped to "a certain degree"", try quantifying it: "It improved efficiency by 20%."

What is the difference between "a certain degree" and "a large degree"?

"A certain degree" implies a moderate or unspecified level, while "a large degree" indicates a significant or substantial amount. The choice depends on the level you want to convey.