partly

USAGE SUMMARY

The adverb 'partly' is an appropriate word to use in written English.
You can use it to describe something which is incomplete or not fully achieved. Example Sentence: I finished the project partly, but I need to complete the remaining sections before it is due.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O'Donnell said it was clear there would be reasonable debate about political legitimacy if the Tories were the largest party but did not form a government, partly due to the presence of a large Scottish Nationalist contingent, but he pointed out voters had in two referendums rejected both a shift from first past the post and Scotland leaving the union.

The Guardian

The reason I think it can is based partly on Scotland, partly on optimism, and partly on Spain.

The Guardian

This partly explains why 97% of Scots registered to vote – the highest level in Scotland or Britain since the introduction of universal suffrage – and turnout was 85%, compared with 65% at the 2010 general election.

The Guardian

Partly, this is smugness at knowing things others did not, all the more so if you have turned them on in the process, but beyond that, it is impossible not to find joy in a journey and its realisation that helps make the vicarious direct.

The Guardian - Sport

What is perhaps more surprising is that he has approached it, at least partly, as a comedy.

The Guardian - Books

Partly so you're credible, but also so that you remember what it's like to be with that child who is really difficult".

The Guardian

If it does and they are exposed by his book, then I will be partly responsible for having asked them to trust Donovan in the first place.

The Guardian - Opinion

We'd laugh about it later, but at the time it was terrifying, partly because it was vaguely familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is that partly their frustration with the focus on the rape allegation – that it has distracted from the art?

The Guardian - Film

It's partly the lack of solid walls, with the sense that, when you sleep in a field with strangers, and can hear the farting and the sighing, the whispered bedtime stories, the trips to the loo in pyjamas, we are all in it together.

The Guardian - Travel

Partly because Pardew's Newcastle were past masters at embarking on dismal runs themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "partly", consider whether specifying the other influencing factors would provide a clearer or more comprehensive picture.

Common error

Avoid using "partly" as a filler word when the actual degree or cause is unknown. If you don't have specific information, consider rephrasing to avoid implying partial knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "partly" functions to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating that something is true or exists to some degree but not entirely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express partiality or incompleteness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "partly" is a commonly used adverb that serves to indicate that something is true or responsible to some degree, but not wholly. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register and effectively communicates partiality. When using "partly", consider being specific with other influencing factors. Avoid using it as filler or if a more precise quantifier is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Partially

A direct synonym, indicating that something is not complete or whole.

In part

Emphasizes the fractional aspect of something being considered.

To some extent

Indicates a certain degree or level, without specifying the exact proportion.

To a degree

Similar to "to some extent" but can imply a lesser amount.

Somewhat

Suggests a moderate degree or amount.

Up to a point

Suggests that something is true or valid only to a certain limit.

Not entirely

Highlights the lack of completeness.

Slightly

Indicates a small degree or amount.

Not fully

Similar to "not entirely", emphasizing the lack of full completion.

Incomplete

Focuses on the unfinished or deficient nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "partly" in a sentence?

Use "partly" to indicate that something is true or caused in some degree, but not entirely. For example, "The success of the project was "partly" due to the team's dedication".

What words can I use instead of "partly"?

You can use alternatives like "partially", "somewhat", or "to some extent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "partly" and "partially"?

"Partly" and "partially" are often interchangeable, but "partly" can sometimes imply a more significant degree than "partially". The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.

When should I avoid using "partly"?

Avoid using "partly" when you can provide a more specific quantifier or when the degree of influence is negligible. In such cases, more precise language enhances clarity.