a degree of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a degree of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a measure of a quality or intensity. For example, "I have a degree of confidence in their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a degree of paternalism.

The New York Times

A degree of name-dropping develops.

The New York Times - Arts

But a degree of confusion is understandable.

The Economist

"Colour itself is a degree of darkness".

The New Yorker

It requires a degree of surrender.

The New York Times - Magazine

A degree of secrecy was a must.

The New York Times

There is a degree of anxiety too.

Independent

With success comes a degree of comfort.

The Economist

Also, lenders bring a degree of supervision.

The Economist

A degree of investor skepticism is understandable.

The New York Times

Such charges contain a degree of exaggeration.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a degree of" to describe emotions or feelings, ensure the context aligns with a moderate intensity. For example, "He felt a degree of sadness" suggests a milder emotion compared to "He felt intense sadness".

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of" when describing situations requiring strong or absolute terms. Saying "There is a degree of certainty" when the situation demands absolute certainty undermines the intended message. Instead, use phrases like "absolute certainty" or "complete assurance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of" functions as a quantifier modifying a noun, indicating an extent or level of a particular quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It is often used to soften statements or express partial existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a partial or limited extent of a quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed in various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, it serves to express moderation or uncertainty. When writing, be mindful of using it in situations that don't require absolute terms. Alternatives such as "some level of" or "a certain amount of" can provide similar nuance depending on the intended meaning. Considering its consistent presence across diverse sources, "a degree of" remains a reliable choice for conveying measured qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some level of

Emphasizes the existence of a certain level without specifying the exact amount.

a certain amount of

Indicates an unspecified quantity or extent.

a touch of

Suggests a small or subtle amount.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", implying a slight indication or presence.

a measure of

Focuses on the quantifiable aspect, suggesting a specific amount can be assessed.

some extent of

Highlights the range or scope to which something applies.

a shade of

Implies a subtle variation or nuance.

a semblance of

Suggests an outward appearance without necessarily possessing the full quality.

a modicum of

Indicates a small or limited quantity, often implying scarcity.

an element of

Highlights that something is a component or ingredient of a larger whole.

FAQs

How do I use "a degree of" in a sentence?

Use "a degree of" to indicate a partial or limited amount of something. For example, "There is "a degree of uncertainty" about the project's future".

What phrases can I use instead of "a degree of"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "some level of", "a certain amount of", or "a touch of" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "a high degree of"?

Yes, it is correct. Adding adjectives like "high", "significant", or "considerable" before "degree" can specify the intensity or extent being described.

What is the difference between "a degree of" and "the degree of"?

"A degree of" refers to a general, unspecified amount, while "the degree of" refers to a specific, measurable amount or level. For example, "a degree of skill" versus "the degree of skill required".