to a higher degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"to a higher degree" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate an increase in the quality or quantity of something, usually compared to something else. For example, "Jim works more efficiently to a higher degree now since he attended the workshop."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That appears to be an invitation to a higher degree of emotional participation.

The New York Times

He added, "Every new manuscript that comes in is going to be subjected to a higher degree of scrutiny and consideration than has previously been the case".

The New York Times

The latter generally is subject to a higher degree of government regulation.

Forbes

And the same is true even to a higher degree of intellect.

SEP

The secondary actuator uses piezoelectric motion to fine tune the head positioning to a higher degree of accuracy.

TechCrunch

It thus correlates to a higher degree of affectedness, as defined in Beavers (2011, 2013).

Lingua Sinica

Higher retention of [18F]florbetaben is likely due to a higher degree of unspecific binding.

EJNMMI Research

Both levels of automation led to a higher degree of sleepiness than in the baseline condition.

European Transport Research Review

Thus, the correctness of the assumption becomes more accurate to a higher degree.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

However, polymerisation more likely took place to a higher degree than degradation.

International Aquatic Research

Co-administration of BMP enhanced osteogenic differentiation to a higher degree than with their single administration.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to a higher degree", ensure you're making a clear comparison. Specify what is being compared and the context in which the increase is occurring for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to a higher degree" without specifying what the comparison is. Saying something is "better to a higher degree" is less effective than saying it's "more accurate to a higher degree than previous methods."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a higher degree" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Ludwig shows its usage in contexts where it amplifies or intensifies the characteristic being described, indicating that something possesses a quality to a greater extent than something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to a higher degree" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express comparison and intensification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts. While it functions similarly to phrases like ""to a greater extent"" or ""more intensely"", it carries a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes a difference in level or intensity. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the comparison being made to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a greater extent

Emphasizes the extent or scope of something, implying a broader or more significant impact.

to a larger extent

Highlights the magnitude or size of something, suggesting a more substantial effect or presence.

to a greater level

Focuses on the hierarchical position or stage of something, indicating an advancement or progression.

to a higher extent

Very similar to the original, but might be more applicable depending on the surrounding words of the sentence.

to a heightened degree

Implies an intensification or amplification of something, suggesting a more pronounced or noticeable quality.

more intensely

Focuses on the strength or force of an action or feeling, suggesting a more vigorous or concentrated experience.

more profoundly

Suggests a deeper or more significant impact, indicating a more meaningful or transformative effect.

significantly more

Highlights the substantial difference or increase in something, suggesting a noteworthy or considerable change.

markedly more

Emphasizes the distinctness or visibility of the increase, implying a clear or easily noticeable difference.

to an amplified extent

Highlights a boost, but can be used more in technical contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "to a higher degree" to indicate that something is more intense, advanced, or developed compared to something else. For example, "The new engine is efficient "to a higher degree" than the older one."

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

Alternatives include "to a greater extent", "more intensely", or "significantly more". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "to a higher degree" or "more"?

"To a higher degree" generally carries a more formal tone compared to simply using "more". In casual conversation, "more" is often sufficient, but in academic or professional writing, "to a higher degree" can add precision.

What is the difference between "to a higher degree" and "to a greater extent"?

While both phrases are similar, "to a higher degree" often implies a difference in intensity or level, while "to a greater extent" suggests a broader scope or impact. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize level or scope.