to a certain degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"to a certain degree" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are making a comparison and describing the degree to which something is true. Example Sentence: I agree with you to a certain degree, but I think there are other factors at play here.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To a certain degree, yes.

The New York Times

That's understandable, to a certain degree.

The New York Times

They've succeeded, to a certain degree.

The New York Times - Books

To a certain degree, totally.

The Guardian

Agreed to a certain degree.

The Guardian - Sport

And to a certain degree it's working.

The Guardian

"It works to a certain degree.

The Guardian - Music

"Formulas work only to a certain degree.

The New York Times

"To a certain degree, it's a surprise.

The New York Times - Sports

"Small ball was effective to a certain degree".

The New York Times - Sports

Holmes, to a certain degree, invented the Beats.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to a certain degree", follow it with clarifying information. Explain the limits or conditions under which your statement holds true to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "to a certain degree" adds nuance, avoid excessive use of qualifiers. Overusing such phrases can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. Use it judiciously to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a certain degree" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the extent or degree to which a statement is true. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing partial agreement or limited validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to a certain degree" is a versatile phrase used to express partial agreement or limited validity. Ludwig's analysis confirms it is grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. When writing, use it judiciously to add nuance to your statements, and be sure to clarify the limits you are implying. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can enhance the precision and sophistication of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to some extent

Emphasizes the partial nature of the agreement or effect.

to a degree

Shorter and simpler version, conveying a similar meaning of partial or limited effect.

to a limited extent

Stresses the restricted scope or degree of something.

up to a point

Highlights the limitation beyond which the agreement or effect no longer holds.

not entirely

Highlights the incompleteness or lack of full agreement.

in part

Focuses on the element of partiality, suggesting that only a portion is true or applicable.

within limits

Indicates that something is true or effective only under specific restrictions.

partially

A concise way of expressing that something is only partly true or effective.

somewhat

Suggests a moderate degree or extent, implying it's not entirely true or complete.

in a way

Indicates a perspective or manner in which something is true, but not necessarily in all ways.

FAQs

How can I use "to a certain degree" in a sentence?

Use "to a certain degree" to express partial agreement or limited truth. For example, "I agree with your assessment "to a certain degree", but there are other factors to consider."

What are some alternatives to "to a certain degree"?

Alternatives include "to some extent", "up to a point", or "partially". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to a certain degree" or "completely"?

The choice depends on the accuracy of your statement. If you fully agree, use "completely". If you only partially agree or if the statement is only partially true, use "to a certain degree".

What does "to a certain degree" imply?

It implies that something is true or valid only within specific limits or conditions. It suggests a nuanced perspective rather than a complete endorsement or rejection.