to an extent

USAGE SUMMARY

"to an extent" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is partly true, or to acknowledge a fact without fully agreeing or disagreeing with it. For example: "I agree with that statement, to an extent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To an extent, sure.

The New Yorker

To an extent, Paul agrees.

The New York Times - Books

To an extent they can.

The Economist

It does to an extent.

The New Yorker

"To an extent they have".

The New York Times

This is true, to an extent.

The New York Times

That's probably true to an extent.

The New York Times

Some legal experts agree, to an extent.

The New York Times - Sports

To an extent, it already has.

The Economist

To an extent, this strategy has worked.

The New York Times

To an extent, this has happened.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to an extent" to acknowledge a point without fully committing to it, showing nuance and avoiding absolute statements.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "to an extent" as they can weaken your argument. Be prepared to provide specific details or examples to clarify the degree to which something is true or applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to an extent" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying a statement or assertion. It indicates that something is true or valid only partially or within certain limits. It's a very common way to express nuance and avoid making absolute claims, as Ludwig AI suggests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to an extent" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express partial agreement, qualify statements, and acknowledge limitations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in written English. Its prevalence in news and media sources reflects its neutral register and its effectiveness in conveying nuanced perspectives. When writing, using “to an extent” acknowledges complexities, preventing broad generalizations. Replacing it with phrases like "partially true" or "to a degree" can refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a degree

Similar to "to an extent", indicating a limited or partial truth.

to a certain degree

Specifies that something is only correct or applicable to the mentioned degree.

somewhat

A more concise way of saying "to an extent", implying a limited degree.

partially true

Indicates something is not entirely true, but has some validity.

in some measure

Suggests a degree or amount, implying something is true or applicable to a certain degree.

up to a point

Suggests that something is true or valid only until a certain limit.

in part

Indicates that something is true or applicable only in some aspects.

within limits

Highlights the existence of boundaries or restrictions.

to some level

Indicates the presence of a degree without being fully expressed.

subject to limitations

More formal, emphasizes that something is not absolute and has constraints.

FAQs

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

Use "to an extent" to express partial agreement or limited validity. For example, "I agree with your point, "to an extent", but there are other factors to consider."

What are some alternatives to "to an extent"?

Some alternatives to "to an extent" include "partially true", "to a degree", or "somewhat". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "to an extent" or "to a certain extent"?

Both "to an extent" and "to a certain extent" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality.

How does "to an extent" differ from "completely"?

"To an extent" implies a partial or limited agreement or truth, while "completely" suggests a full and absolute agreement or truth. Using "to an extent" demonstrates nuance and acknowledges that there may be other factors or perspectives to consider, instead of saying that your statement is "completely" right.