to a sufficient extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to a sufficient extent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a degree or extent of something that is enough or more than enough to satisfy a need or requirement. For example: "The company did its due diligence to a sufficient extent to give the investors confidence in their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Feral pigeons appear to harbour ornithosis (psittacosis) to a sufficient extent to provide a potential human risk.

Britannica

Plaintiffs, on the other hand, introduced proof that Mrs. McDougald responded to certain stimuli to a sufficient extent to indicate that she was aware of her circumstances.

Harvard University

They have taken on many of the traditional functions of motherhood – cooking, cleaning, childcare – not to an equal extent and not to a sufficient extent, but most have tried hard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I could not learn anything from the ninth grade history textbook because it did not explain events to a sufficient extent and did not analyze the implementations of the events".

The New Yorker

In "A Healthy Way to Extend Food Life" (Forum, June 1), Sharon Bomer states that "Irradiation works by breaking apart molecules in the bacteria and insects that cause spoilage and disease". If molecules in pathogens are broken to a sufficient extent to kill the organism, then molecules in the food must also be broken.

The New York Times

Equally, while additional steps could be taken to educate retail investors on their information and voting rights, it is open to question whether individuals are likely to engage with the companies in which they have invested to a sufficient extent to allow them to constitute a significant voting bloc.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Siltation of dams can have the most dramatic erosion consequences; it takes a sufficient extent in Algeria.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Differences between those two customary method of power calculation and exact data simulation only occur when subgroups have very low probabilities and the simulated overall sample size is not large enough to include all possible groups to sufficient extent; these small groups may then not be represented in the exact power simulation, while they may be (more or less) represented in other methods.

Behavior Genetics

Although rockets, missiles, and fluid reservoirs are mostly cylindrical shells rather than beams, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it seems the dynamic stability of complete cylindrical shells undergoing follower forces has not been studied to the sufficient extent.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Instead, the peroxisomal metabolic pathways, which can function to sufficient extent in the cytosol, appear to contribute to virulence.

Cellular Microbiology

The complete IBP removal and decrease of TOC to sufficient extent was stated in optimal experimental conditions and biodegradability and average oxidation state (AOS) results conducted suggest a post-biological treatment of solution.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to a sufficient extent", ensure the context clearly indicates what constitutes 'sufficient'. Be specific about the criteria or threshold being met.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "to a sufficient extent" can sometimes sound verbose. Consider using more concise alternatives like "adequately" or "sufficiently" to improve clarity and flow, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a sufficient extent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the degree or level to which something is done or achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

Academia

23%

News & Media

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to a sufficient extent" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate that something has reached an adequate level or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. While common across scientific, academic, and news contexts, it can sometimes be replaced by more concise alternatives like "sufficiently" or "adequately", especially in formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what constitutes 'sufficient' in the given situation. Be precise in setting your criteria for sufficiency when using "to a sufficient extent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently

This single-word adverb is a direct synonym, offering a more compact expression.

adequately

This single-word adverb provides a more concise and direct alternative.

to the necessary degree

This alternative emphasizes the required level or standard.

to a satisfactory level

This version focuses on meeting a certain acceptable standard.

to an acceptable degree

Similar to "satisfactory level" but highlights acceptability.

to a degree that is adequate

This option is more verbose but emphasizes the adequacy of the degree.

as much as is needed

This emphasizes the need-based sufficiency.

enough

A simple and informal way to express sufficiency.

to the point where it is enough

This rephrasing highlights the attainment of a sufficient condition.

within acceptable limits

This alternative suggests adherence to predefined boundaries or thresholds.

FAQs

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

Use "to a sufficient extent" to describe the degree to which something fulfills a requirement or need. For example, "The data was analyzed "to a sufficient extent" to draw meaningful conclusions".

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

You can use alternatives like "adequately", "sufficiently", or "to the necessary degree" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "sufficiently" or "to a sufficient extent"?

"Sufficiently" is often more concise and direct. Use "to a sufficient extent" when you want to add emphasis or detail about how the sufficiency is achieved or measured. Consider replacing it with "sufficiently" for brevity.

What does "to a sufficient extent" imply about the result?

It implies that the result has reached a level that is adequate or satisfactory for a specific purpose. It suggests that further action may not be required or necessary because the goal has been met "to a sufficient extent".