a question of degree

USAGE SUMMARY

'a question of degree' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which there is a need to decide how large or important a particular issue or factor is. For example, "The decision to close the school was a question of degree – how public safety could be balanced with the need for students to stay in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's just a question of degree.

Harvard Business Review

But it's a question of degree.

The Guardian

"But for us it is a question of degree.

The Guardian

A. O.K., remember, this is a question of degree.

The New York Times

Australia will be more solid by then, but it is a question of degree.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a question of degree, but the same issues are there in every city".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But this is a question of degrees.

Independent

But it's not a question of degrees of ability, of who was the greater dancer.

The Guardian - Books

By contrast, war today seems more a question of degrees and limits, while equality seems less about the laws of the land than about disparities in economic and educational opportunities that are subtler and harder to address.

The New York Times

Simone insisted that the imbalance is shown by the fact that it took Atlético 70 minutes to see off Elche while it took Barcelona 10; he is right, but while the game remains 90 minutes long that may be a question of degrees, not final outcome.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a question of degrees.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of degree" to acknowledge that while a distinction exists, its importance lies in how much something varies rather than whether it exists at all. For example, 'The effectiveness of the policy is a question of degree; any impact, positive or negative, will be marginal.'

Common error

Avoid using "a question of degree" when an absolute distinction is necessary. If the situation requires a binary or clear-cut decision, this phrase might dilute the importance of the distinction. Instead, opt for phrases that highlight absolute differences, like "a matter of kind."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of degree" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a difference between two things is one of amount or intensity, rather than of fundamental nature. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, confirming its established function in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of degree" is a useful phrase for expressing that differences are more about quantity or intensity than fundamental nature. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, it's important to remember that it should be used when discussing relative differences, rather than absolute distinctions. Remember to use this phrase to highlight the relativity or the scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of scale

Changes the focus to the extent or size of something rather than the level or intensity.

a matter of intensity

Focuses specifically on the strength or force of something.

a difference in magnitude

Highlights the size or extent of the difference between things.

a variation in extent

Emphasizes how much something varies or ranges.

a question of proportion

Focuses on the relative amount or balance of something.

a matter of gradation

Highlights the gradual change or progression of something.

a difference in level

Indicates that things differ based on their position in a hierarchy or scale.

a question of severity

Emphasizes the intensity of negative impact or harmfulness.

a matter of emphasis

Focuses on what is being highlighted or stressed.

a difference of emphasis

Highlights the points of stress in contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of degree" in a sentence?

Use "a question of degree" to express that something varies in intensity or extent, rather than being an all-or-nothing situation. For example, "The impact of the new regulations is "a question of degree", depending on how strictly they are enforced".

What phrases are similar to "a question of degree"?

Similar phrases include "a matter of scale", "a matter of intensity", or "a difference in magnitude". These all imply that differences are quantitative rather than qualitative.

Is it always appropriate to use "a question of degree"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use it when you want to emphasize that differences are incremental or relative. If you need to highlight an absolute distinction, another phrase would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a question of degree" and "a question of kind"?

"A question of degree" suggests differences are quantitative, while "a question of kind" implies differences are qualitative or fundamental. Choose the phrase that best represents the nature of the distinction you're describing.