a small extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the degree or level to which something is true or applicable, often in a comparative context. Example: "The changes in the policy will affect the employees to a small extent, but the overall impact will be minimal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Logistical changes by some importers are reducing their carbon footprint to a small extent.

The Guardian

The fact is that there is integration only to a small extent".

The New Yorker

To a small extent, the military has begun to do that.

The New York Times

Now we're faced with one chance in Sydney to redeem ourselves to a small extent".

The Guardian - Sport

Our energy balance is determined only to a small extent by how active we are.

Independent

Naturally a perennial, it is grown to a small extent in temperate climates as an annual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Otherwise, canoes and, to a small extent, dhows transport people and goods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Real anti-Semitism still does exist in places like Hungary and to a small extent France.

Independent

We instinctively mimic, even to a small extent, the mood, manners, yawns and actions of the people around us.

The New York Times

The thing that could not be taught, and could only to a small extent be trained, was speed.

The Economist

It's not impossible, and it is already happening in law, albeit to a small extent.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small extent" when you want to emphasize that something is only partially true or has a limited effect. This helps to avoid overstating your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a small extent" when the impact is actually significant. Assess the actual effect to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small extent" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree or scope to which something is affected or true. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, indicating a limited impact, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small extent" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a limited degree or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It's frequently seen in scientific and news-related sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a minor effect to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "to a limited degree" or "only slightly" can be used for similar effect. Be mindful of overstating the impact, and leverage "a small extent" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a limited degree

Replaces "extent" with "degree", emphasizing the limitation.

to a slight degree

Substitutes "small" with "slight", indicating a minor impact.

in a minor way

Changes the structure to emphasize the manner of impact.

to a fractional extent

Emphasizes that the extent represents just a small fraction.

to a minimal amount

Focuses on the quantity or amount being small.

to a negligible degree

Indicates that the degree is so small as to be practically unimportant.

only slightly

Uses an adverb to convey the limited impact.

to a certain degree

Indicates a qualified impact, not necessarily small but limited.

to some extent

Similar but broader, not necessarily indicating a small effect.

somewhat

A simple adverb indicating a moderate impact, less precise than the original.

FAQs

How can I use "a small extent" in a sentence?

Use "a small extent" to show that something is true or applicable only to a limited degree. For example, "The new regulations affected the company's profits to "a small extent"".

What's a good alternative to "a small extent"?

Consider using alternatives like "to a limited degree", "only slightly", or "somewhat" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a small extent" or "a large extent"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "a small extent" to indicate a minor impact and "a large extent" to indicate a significant impact. They are opposites.

What is the difference between "a small extent" and "to some extent"?

"A small extent" implies a minor effect, while "to some extent" suggests that something is true or applicable in some ways but not entirely. The first one gives the degree, while the second one is used more in a qualitative way.