degree of finesse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degree of finesse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the level of skill, subtlety, or refinement in a particular action or process. Example: "The artist demonstrated a remarkable degree of finesse in her brushwork, capturing the delicate details of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The wines we liked best were lively and refreshing, with some degree of finesse.

The New York Times - Food

I can write criticism, and gabble away on the radio, but the only thing I can really do with any degree of finesse is write poetry.

The Guardian

He's a guy with a quietly strong character who will produce some kind of prank when no one is expecting it and with a fair degree of finesse.

The Guardian - Sport

There are, surely, only a handful of financial backers in the world who would be willing or able to finance such an ambitious project, and to such a preposterous degree of finesse.

The Guardian - Tech

Quality depends on several factors, of course, but when you taste the reds of Querciabella, you notice a certain degree of finesse that is at least partially the result of the farming principles.

Forbes

Both require a significant degree of finesse.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This has become his specialty, and he delivers it with wildly varying degrees of finesse.

The New York Times

The rest of the cast also sang loudly, with varying degrees of finesse.

The New York Times - Arts

Unlike most specialists, he practices both voice-restoration surgery and cancer surgery, which require very different degrees of finesse; he compares the former to fencing, the latter to "a fight with a club".

The New Yorker

It helps, I suppose, that the pop ballad "Mama" is among the 20-plus Spice Girls numbers folded with varying degrees of finesse into Jennifer Saunders's surprisingly half-hearted script.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps in matchups — instrument by instrument, section by section — with other major orchestras, the London Symphony lacks some degree of technical finesse.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "degree of finesse" with specific actions or qualities to provide context, such as "a high degree of finesse in negotiation" or "demonstrated a degree of finesse in her brushwork".

Common error

Avoid using "degree of finesse" when describing tasks that require brute force or lack subtlety. The phrase is best suited for situations where skill and precision are key.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase. The phrase "degree of finesse" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a preposition or as a complement within a sentence. It quantifies the extent or level of skill, refinement, or subtlety involved in a particular action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degree of finesse" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the level of skill, refinement, or subtlety in an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in a range of contexts, including news, business, and science. Usage tips include highlighting the phrase’s connection to elegant and precise execution. Related phrases include “level of skill” and “measure of refinement”, though these may lack the nuance of the original phrase. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid misusing it in contexts that lack subtlety or require brute force.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level of skill

Focuses on the proficiency aspect, omitting the subtlety implied by 'finesse'.

degree of sophistication

Focuses on the complexity and refinement, potentially excluding the practical skill.

measure of refinement

Emphasizes the polish and sophistication, rather than the skillful execution.

level of expertise

Emphasizes specialized knowledge and skill, possibly lacking the nuance of 'finesse'.

extent of precision

Highlights accuracy and exactness, without necessarily implying elegance.

amount of polish

Focuses on the surface-level refinement, potentially overlooking underlying skill.

amount of dexterity

Stresses the agility and skill in physical movements.

measure of grace

Highlights elegance and smoothness, possibly downplaying technical skill.

level of artistry

Highlights the aesthetic quality and creative skill involved.

extent of adroitness

Emphasizes cleverness and resourcefulness, without necessarily implying refinement.

FAQs

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

You can use "degree of finesse" to describe the level of skill or refinement in a particular action or process. For example, "The chef prepared the dish with a remarkable "degree of finesse"".

What are some synonyms for "degree of finesse"?

Alternatives to "degree of finesse" include "level of skill", "measure of refinement", or "extent of precision", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "degree of finesse" or "level of finesse"?

"Degree of finesse" and "level of finesse" are generally interchangeable, but "degree" often implies a more quantifiable or measurable aspect of skill or refinement.

What's the difference between "degree of finesse" and "degree of sophistication"?

"Degree of finesse" emphasizes skillful execution and subtle precision, while "degree of sophistication" highlights complexity and refinement. While they can overlap, finesse focuses on the skill, while sophistication focuses on the complexity.