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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
partially
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "partially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is only partly true or complete. For example, "I am partially satisfied with the results of the experiment".
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
at least in fruit
in some kind
in greater depth
in some sort
somewhat.
in some order
in some faces
in some factors
in a roundabout way
in some mode
in certain respects
in part
in a certain sense
at least in portion
at least in some measure
in parts
in any event
albeit getting
to a certain range
at least to a certain degree
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
This view is echoed by Marshall, who feels that being partially deaf and requiring expensive equipment may mean that she is less likely to be employed.
News & Media
This absence is at least partially explained by the thorough discrediting of nationalism after nazism and the fact that, unlike further east, communist elites did not become corrupt nouveaux riches (and therefore the subject of a rightwing backlash, as in Hungary, for instance).
News & Media
Johnson, in an addendum to the report, partially concurred with many of the inspector general's findings, though he disputed several.
News & Media
The adjudicator partially upheld her case, recommending that Oxford clarify and amend its policies.
News & Media
You show micro-awakenings because your brain remains partially alert for the presence of an attacker".
News & Media
It lies in the fact that most of us from the postcolonial world, though intuitively sympathetic to the idea of self-determination, cannot claim to have fulfilled even partially its extravagant promise.
News & Media
It has also left the power-sharing executive facing an estimated £600m funding gap this financial year – partially as a consequence of Treasury penalties for not implementing welfare reforms running at just under £10m per month.
News & Media
Since then, apart from a few days of relative quiet in April when a ceasefire partially held, Syria has seen a huge influx of arms to the rebels, growing involvement by foreign special forces, and the infiltration of al-Qaida jihadis and other Salafists.
News & Media
The setting could hardly have been more tranquil: rolling green hills, purple-glory trees, palm leaves swaying in the wind and a temporary chapel made of breeze block walls and a tin roof left partially open to the elements.
News & Media
However, the partially redacted documents reveal the investigation into anti-Keystone activists occurred without prior approval of the top lawyer and senior agent in the Houston field office, a stipulation laid down in rules provided by the attorney general.
News & Media
An inquest found last month that Harris, 53, of Bristol, who was partially sighted, took her own life after months of constant pain and following a "fit for work" ruling that replaced her incapacity benefit with jobseeker's allowance.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "partially", consider whether a more specific adverb (e.g., "slightly", "moderately") would provide a clearer picture of the degree to which something is affected.
Common error
Avoid relying too heavily on "partially" as it can sometimes weaken the impact of your writing. Explore stronger, more descriptive adverbs or rephrase the sentence for greater clarity.
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "partially" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something is done to a limited extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "partially" functions as an adverb to indicate that something is not complete or total. It is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show that it is frequently used in news and media. When writing, remember to use "partially" to add nuance and avoid generalizations. Consider if more descriptive adverbs could provide even greater clarity. Common alternatives include "somewhat", "in part", and "to some extent".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in part
Emphasizes that only a portion is affected or involved.
to some extent
Indicates a certain degree or level, without specifying the exact amount.
somewhat
Suggests a moderate degree or amount.
in a limited way
Highlights the restricted or confined nature of the action or state.
not entirely
Focuses on the lack of completeness or totality.
up to a point
Implies that something is true or effective only to a certain limit.
to a degree
Similar to "to some extent", but can imply a more significant impact.
relatively
Indicates a comparison to something else, suggesting a partial effect in relation to that comparison.
only in part
Reinforces the idea that something is not completely true or applicable.
not fully
Emphasizes the lack of complete fulfillment or realization.
FAQs
How to use "partially" in a sentence?
"Partially" is used to indicate that something is not complete or total. For instance, "The door was "partially open"" or "The project was "partially successful"".
What can I say instead of "partially"?
You can use alternatives like "somewhat", "in part", or "to some extent" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "partially" or "partly"?
Both "partially" and "partly" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. "Partially" might suggest a smaller degree or more incompleteness than "partly", but the difference is subtle.
What's the difference between "partially" and "completely"?
"Partially" indicates that something is not whole or entire, while "completely" signifies that something is whole, entire, or finished. For example, "Partially finished" implies some work remains, whereas "completely finished" means the work is done.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested