by degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

"by degrees" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means "gradually" or "little by little". For example, "She overcame her fear of heights by degrees, starting with small steps like going to the rooftop of her apartment building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FASHION happens by degrees.

The New York Times

They fail by degrees.

The Guardian - Books

"This changes by degrees," Mr. Lee said.

The New York Times

Well, yes, but only by degrees.

The New Yorker

Psychopathy occurs by degrees, he explains.

The Economist

He got into it by degrees.

The New York Times - Arts

By degrees, the Missouri began to turn.

The New York Times

He reveals his soft side by degrees.

The New Yorker

Then, by degrees, he wasn't.

The Guardian - Arts

Rhoda was "getting there, by degrees".

The Guardian - Books

This information may be collected by degrees.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by degrees", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for the initial state and the eventual outcome to highlight the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "by degrees" when referring to specific temperature or angular measurements. Instead, use the unit of measurement (e.g., "The temperature rose by two degrees Celsius") for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by degrees" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the manner in which an action occurs. It specifies that something happens gradually or incrementally, as seen in the Ludwig examples where changes occur bit by bit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by degrees" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates a gradual process or incremental change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, science, and formal writing. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the context aligns with the idea of slow progression rather than sudden occurrences. Alternatives like "gradually" or "incrementally" can be used for semantic variation. Be mindful of avoiding its usage when discussing measurements to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gradually

Single word adverb for the same meaning.

Little by little

Emphasizes the small increments of change.

Incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the change.

Step by step

Highlights a deliberate and methodical progression.

In stages

Suggests a planned sequence of development.

Bit by bit

Similar to 'little by little' but can imply more effort.

Slowly but surely

Conveys patience and persistence in achieving the change.

Progressively

Highlights continuous advancement.

By small increments

Stresses the small size of the individual changes.

In a measured way

Emphasizes the control and deliberation involved in the process.

FAQs

How can I use "by degrees" in a sentence?

Use "by degrees" to describe a gradual change or progression. For instance, "The music grew louder by degrees" or "By degrees he reverted to his prewar self."

What are some alternatives to "by degrees"?

Alternatives include "gradually", "little by little", "incrementally", or "step by step". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "by degrees"?

While grammatically correct, "by degrees" may not be appropriate when describing sudden or abrupt changes. In such cases, alternatives like "suddenly" or "immediately" would be more fitting.

What's the difference between "by degrees" and "partially"?

"By degrees" refers to a gradual progression or change over time, whereas "partially" indicates that something is only partly completed or true. For example, "He reveals his soft side by degrees" suggests a gradual unveiling, while "He was partially responsible" implies incomplete responsibility.