by degrees of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by degrees of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual process or change in intensity, amount, or quality. Example: "The project will be implemented by degrees of complexity, starting with the simplest tasks and gradually moving to more challenging ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Manhattan is recovering faster," he said, "and recovery psychology will probably spread by degrees of proximity".

The New York Times

"Nobody's going to be rude," Ms. Roy said, "because you're all connected by degrees of friends".

The New York Times

Caraqueños, as residents here are known, classify various subsets of motorizados by degrees of industriousness and delinquency.

The New York Times

No fair, some argued, apparently believing that StarCraft players, like sprinters, should be segregated by degrees of testosterone.

The New Yorker

As we listen to them, we become aware, by degrees, of how confining the space we're in is.

The New York Times

The disturbance of the sediment by rays yields a spatial mosaic that varies by degrees of recolonization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Instead, it is an account, different only by degree, of the complexities faced by anyone building in multilayered Manhattan.

The New York Times

Mr. Blodget asked Facebook to develop new friendship levels that would let users sort their acquaintances by degree of separation.

The New York Times

Or a list of Italian pig curses, graded by degree of blasphemy ("porca miseria," "pig misery," is suitable for use by children).

The New York Times - Books

More importantly, facilitation was modulated by degree of orthographic overlap.

Cognition

Proportion of patients by degree of symptom severity and visit.

Clinical Phytoscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, consider if a simpler alternative such as "gradually" or "in stages" might be more easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "by degrees of" in informal contexts or conversations. Its formal tone might sound unnatural or pretentious in casual settings. Instead, opt for simpler phrases like "little by little" or "slowly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by degrees of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a gradual or incremental process. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by degrees of" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a gradual or incremental change. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to modify verbs or nouns, adding detail about the process of change. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, its formal tone suggests it's best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. When opting for a simpler alternative for broader audiences, consider options like "gradually" or "in stages". Remember to avoid its use in informal conversation, as it may sound unnatural. Ludwig’s examples highlight the diversity in how "by degrees of" can be employed, ranging from medical descriptions to political science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the change or process.

incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step progression of the change.

progressively

Focuses on the forward movement and advancement of the change.

step by step

Simplifies the concept to a literal, sequential advancement.

in stages

Suggests a planned and deliberate sequence of steps.

by increments

Highlights that the process is performed by increasing the measure gradually.

little by little

Emphasizes the smallness of the individual changes.

by gradation

Implies a smooth, continuous transition from one state to another.

in succession

Focuses on the ordered sequence of events.

moderately

Indicates a measured and controlled pace of change.

FAQs

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

You can use "by degrees of" to describe something that changes gradually. For example, "The intensity of the pain increased "by degrees of" severity" or "The recovery spread "by degrees of" proximity from the city center".

What are some alternatives to "by degrees of"?

Some alternatives include "gradually", "incrementally", "progressively", or "in stages". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "by degrees of" formal or informal?

"By degrees of" leans towards a more formal register. Simpler terms like "gradually" or "little by little" are generally more appropriate for informal contexts.

How does the meaning of "by degrees of" differ from "by degree"?

"By degrees of" emphasizes a gradual change in something, whereas "by degree" usually refers to the extent or level of something. For instance, you might say something is wrong "by degree", meaning it's wrong to a certain extent.