small degree of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small degree of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or limited extent of something, often in contexts involving measurement or assessment. Example: "There is a small degree of uncertainty in the results of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Recess appointments have given Obama a small degree of leverage to fight back.

The New Yorker

Most inmates, if you give them a small degree of respect, they will respect you.

The New York Times

And, for the residents who bought at much higher prices, probably a small degree of relief.

The New York Times

This gave her a small degree of protection from the blows.

Independent

Am I alone in feeling a small degree of sadness after hearing that Sony is retiring the Walkman?

The Guardian - Music

"I can find parking on the street now," said Ms. Putnam, with no small degree of enthusiasm.

The New York Times

The group aims to establishing a small degree of democracy in a church that has long resisted it.

The New York Times

The Chinese people had been permitted a small degree of freedom in recent months by Vice-Premier Teng Hsiao ping.

The New Yorker

No small degree of pressure – but when I got into the rehearsal room, all that went from my mind.

The Guardian

The New Yorker, December 3 , 1955P. 44 The current anti-litter campaign has reached some small degree of success.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A small degree of biliary excretion may occur.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small degree of" to precisely convey a minor extent or impact, ensuring clarity when quantifying abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "small degree of" when the impact is actually substantial; opt for stronger terms to reflect the true magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small degree of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a limited or reduced extent of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something minor or limited, often involving measurement or assessment. Examples from Ludwig show it quantifying concepts like 'freedom,' 'protection,' or 'sadness.'

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small degree of" is a useful quantifier for expressing a limited extent or impact, as supported by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in science and news, although the level of formality varies with the source. When writing, be sure to use this phrase accurately and make sure the true significance of what you are describing is accurately represented. It is also important to avoid overstating the actual degree that is intended. Consider alternatives such as "slight amount of" or "minor level of" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight amount of

Replaces "degree" with "amount", emphasizing the quantity of something.

minor level of

Substitutes "degree" with "level", highlighting the intensity or stage of something.

limited extent of

Focuses on the scope or range of something being restricted.

modest amount of

Uses "modest" to suggest a moderate or humble quantity.

negligible quantity of

Indicates the amount is so small it's practically insignificant.

marginal measure of

Highlights the borderline or minimal aspect of a measurement.

insignificant portion of

Emphasizes the unimportance due to its small size.

reduced quantity of

Highlights a reduction in the amount present.

minimal trace of

Focuses on the extremely small or barely detectable presence of something.

tiny fraction of

Replaces degree with a fraction meaning, emphasizing how small the degree is.

FAQs

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

You can use "small degree of" to indicate a slight amount or extent of something. For example, "There was a "small degree of" improvement in the patient's condition."

What are some alternatives to "small degree of"?

Alternatives include "slight amount of", "minor level of", or "limited extent of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small degree of" or "little degree of"?

While both phrases are understandable, "small degree of" is generally preferred in formal writing. "Little degree of" is less common and might sound slightly informal.

When is it inappropriate to use "small degree of"?

Avoid using "small degree of" when describing something with a significant impact or large quantity. In such cases, use phrases that reflect the true magnitude, such as "significant amount of" or "large extent of".