overwhelming extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is very intense or significant in magnitude. Example: "The support from the community was of such an overwhelming extent that it brought tears to her eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"To an overwhelming extent the industry is fine and the companies are doing what companies are supposed to do".

The New York Times

Like really strong, extra-matured cheese, this beef also leaves my tongue prickling with acidic compounds, to an almost overwhelming extent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"White Savage" is based to an overwhelming extent on primary sources, as Crain could see from my annotation but did not mention in his review.

The New York Times

The overwhelming extent of Mr. Hariri's victory was shown by his elimination of two pillars of the Sunni Muslim establishment in West Beirut.

The New York Times

"If today we, Romanians, have access to our personal political police file," the prime minister said, "this is to an overwhelming extent due to Constantin Ticu Dumitrescu".

The New York Times

To an overwhelming extent, the physical form and the habits of the earth's vegetation and its animal life have been molded and directed by the environment.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The speed of funding for SSLPs was to some extent overwhelming, resulting in a somewhat slow start to the establishment of operational status.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

She considers the political and legislative pressure on government after section 3 or 4 overwhelming to the extent that the concept of parliamentary sovereignty should be "eliminated".

Wikipedia

We had overwhelming evidence about the extent of the violence and abuse, what was most difficult is not being able to publish each individual account in the final report.

The Guardian - Opinion

This extent of overwhelming acceptability was confirmed during the FGDs; typically put: "Even if it becomes available this month we will really be happy" Places where women felt they will be comfortable to receive free microbicides were health-related facilities 89-977% of women) such as chemical shops and hospitals, cosmetic shops (39%) and supermarkets (26%).

BMC Women's Health

Still, overwhelming is overwhelming.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overwhelming extent" to clearly communicate a significant degree, impact, or scope, ensuring the context supports the emphasis on magnitude.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming extent" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Opt for words like "very much" or "a lot" in less formal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming extent" functions as an intensifier, modifying a noun or verb phrase to emphasize the magnitude or degree of something. It highlights a significant impact or scope, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overwhelming extent" is grammatically correct and functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize the magnitude or degree of something. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While effective in conveying significance, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly informal communication. Consider alternatives like "significant degree" or "large scale" for nuanced expression. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various authoritative sources, further confirming its validity and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant degree

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the degree.

considerable measure

Highlights the amount or quantity involved.

large scale

Focuses on the size or scope of something.

great magnitude

Stresses the size or importance of something.

substantial amount

Indicates a considerable quantity or proportion.

major proportion

Highlights the significant percentage or share.

extensive scope

Focuses on the broadness or reach.

profound impact

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the effect.

vast scale

Emphasizes the immensity of the scale.

immense degree

Highlights the exceptional quantity or intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "overwhelming extent" to describe the degree or impact of something. For example, "The community's support was of such an "overwhelming extent" that it brought tears to her eyes".

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming extent"?

You can use alternatives like "significant degree", "considerable measure", or "large scale" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "overwhelming extent" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "overwhelming extent" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler phrases like "a lot" or "very much" in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "overwhelming extent" and "large extent"?

"Overwhelming extent" implies a more significant and impactful degree compared to "large extent". The former suggests an almost overpowering magnitude, while the latter simply denotes a considerable size or scope.