to a significant extent

USAGE SUMMARY

"to a significant extent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when a person wants to suggest that something is true to a great degree. For example, "The new law has changed society to a significant extent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

To a significant extent, he has.

The New York Times

Butalia relies to a significant extent on this canon.

The New York Times - Books

To a significant extent, "Jimmy P". is that movie.

The New Yorker

Globalisation has been changing the world to a significant extent.

Habitat International

The position of the clergy reflects, to a significant extent, popular feelings.

The New Yorker

Of course the BBC has been to a significant extent the source of its own misfortunes.

The Guardian

Having said that, the movement does favor Democrats to a significant extent.

The Washington Post

"To a significant extent, the Republican base does have elements that are animated by racism.

The Washington Post

To a significant extent, the Bush administration judged friends and foes according to this paradigm.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To a significant extent, the new atheism is the expression of a liberal moral panic.

The Guardian

Urine pH was also reduced, though not to a significant extent.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a significant extent" when you want to indicate that something is partially true or applicable, but not entirely. It suggests a considerable but not complete effect or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "to a significant extent" when something is completely true or fully applicable. It can weaken your statement if used inappropriately. Instead, use stronger adverbs or affirmative statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a significant extent" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree or scope to which something is true or applicable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests partial but considerable influence or effect. The examples show its use in academic, scientific, and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to a significant extent" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that something is true or applicable to a considerable, though not complete, degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it serves to qualify statements and add nuance. While alternatives like ""substantially"" or ""to a considerable degree"" exist, "to a significant extent" offers a specific emphasis on partial but noteworthy impact. Ensure its appropriate use by avoiding overstatement and choosing it when a qualified statement is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a considerable degree

Replaces "extent" with "degree" maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

to a large degree

Substitutes "significant" with "large", implying a substantial impact or influence.

to a great extent

Emphasizes the magnitude of the effect or influence.

substantially

A single-word adverb that conveys a similar meaning of considerable impact.

significantly

A single-word adverb, directly derived from "significant", expressing a notable degree.

to a marked extent

Highlights that the extent is easily noticeable or distinct.

to a noticeable degree

Indicates that the degree is perceptible or observable.

appreciably

Suggests that something is considerable or measurable.

to a tangible extent

Implies that the extent is concrete and can be clearly perceived.

materially

Highlights that the extent is important or consequential.

FAQs

How can I use "to a significant extent" in a sentence?

Use "to a significant extent" to indicate that something is true or applicable to a considerable degree, but not entirely. For example: "The new policy improved employee morale "to a significant extent"".

What are some alternatives to "to a significant extent"?

You can use alternatives like "to a considerable degree", "substantially", or "significantly" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "to a significant extent" or "significantly"?

"To a significant extent" and "significantly" are both relatively formal. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. The first emphasizes partial effect while the second emphasizes the degree of change or impact.

What's the difference between "to a significant extent" and "to a great extent"?

Both phrases are similar, but "to a great extent" implies a higher degree or larger impact than ""to a significant extent"". The choice depends on the magnitude you want to convey.