The phrase "gauge the extent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to measure or determine the degree or scope of something. Example: "Before making a decision, it is important to carefully gauge the extent of the problem at hand."
Longer supply chains make it more difficult for companies to gauge the extent of their inventory backup.
It is difficult to gauge the extent to which viewers who gripe about taped programming decide ultimately not to watch.
This should enable scientists to gauge the extent to which individual birds depend on using sticks to feed themselves.
Therefore, it is often difficult for authorities and scientists to accurately gauge the extent and the impact of the farming.
Still trying to gauge the extent of the damage, many landlords have been vague about when their buildings will reopen.
He said, however, that there was no systematic reporting of the shipments, so there was no way to gauge the extent of the problem accurately.
One way scientists try to gauge the extent of environmental contamination by substances like polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, is to measure the levels in animal tissue.
Prosecutors and investigators said it was impossible to precisely gauge the extent of organized crime's continued role in the construction industry, given the shadowy nature of its influence.
The goal, it went on, was to help regulators "gauge the extent of additional capital needs across a wide range of potential economic outcomes".
Since 2005, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been testing around the state to gauge the extent of the problem.
To gauge the extent of the trend, I contacted the 37 top liberal arts colleges on U.S. News & World Report's2009 rankings that had test-optional policies.
