to a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used with an adjective or adverb to indicate that the adjective or adverb applies to some extent, but not to a great extent. For example, "He was successful to a degree, but not as much as his brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To a degree, yes.

Independent

Well, to a degree.

The New York Times

To a degree.

Independent

To a degree, they succeeded.

The Economist

He's right, to a degree.

The New York Times

"To a degree," she said.

The New Yorker

To a degree he has.

Independent

To a degree, at least.

Independent

Fair enough — to a degree.

The New York Times - Books

He identified with Jews, to a degree.

The New York Times - Books

We are all mystics, to a degree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a degree" to acknowledge a point without fully committing to it, showing nuance and careful consideration of different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "to a degree" as a vague qualifier without specifying the extent or conditions. Always follow up with details that clarify the limitations or specific aspects you are addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a degree" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the extent or degree to which something is true or applicable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it acknowledges a point without fully committing to it. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in qualifying statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to a degree" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express partial agreement, limited affirmation, or qualified acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions to acknowledge a point while expressing reservations or limitations. Predominantly found in news and media, as shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase suits a neutral register. When writing, it's best practice to specify the extent or conditions being addressed to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "somewhat" or "to some extent" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to some extent

A more formal and direct synonym for "to a degree", indicating a limitation.

up to a point

Indicates agreement or validity only until a certain limit is reached.

to a certain level

Indicates that something is true or effective only up to a specific level or threshold.

somewhat

Indicates a moderate amount or extent, suggesting less strength than "to a degree".

partially

Implies that something is true or correct in some parts but not entirely, similar to "to a degree".

in a limited way

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the agreement or validity.

in part

Suggests that only a portion of something is true or valid, similar in implication.

within limits

Suggests that something is true but constrained by certain boundaries or conditions.

on a limited scale

Suggests that something is happening, but not in a major or comprehensive manner.

relatively

Indicates that something is true when compared to something else, implying a degree.

FAQs

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

"To a degree" is used to express partial agreement or limited extent. For example, "The movie was enjoyable "to a degree", but the plot had some flaws."

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

Alternatives include "somewhat", "partially", or "to some extent", which offer similar ways to express a limited or partial agreement.

Is it better to say "to a degree" or "to some degree"?

Both "to a degree" and "to some extent" are grammatically correct and have the same meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "to a degree" and "completely"?

"To a degree" implies a partial or limited agreement, while "completely" suggests full and total agreement or accuracy. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum.