to different degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to different degrees" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to show that two or more things vary in intensity or magnitude. For example, "Different people were affected by the virus to different degrees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We erred to different degrees.

The New York Times

Flailing to different degrees.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Everywhere, to different degrees, barriers of fear have been broken.

The Economist

The rest of California is facing it to different degrees.

The New York Times

Every apprentice will have sensed that to different degrees.

Independent

Each aims for an effect and, to different degrees, each achieves it.

The New Yorker

That is because different national markets are correlated to different degrees in down markets.

The New York Times

Popes are personally and intensely involved in the process, but to different degrees.

The New York Times

The women were all active daters and, to different degrees, openly randy.

The New York Times - Arts

These are ossified (bony) to different degrees, with more cartilage in the more highly evolved groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yes to all those questions in different ways, to different degrees.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to different degrees" when illustrating that multiple entities experience the same phenomenon, but with varying intensity or impact. This phrase enhances clarity and precision, signaling nuanced differences.

Common error

Avoid using "to different degrees" when referring to binary or all-or-nothing situations. This phrase is appropriate only when variations exist on a continuous scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to different degrees" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or intensity to which something occurs. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase modifies verbs, adjectives, or even entire clauses to indicate variations in effect, influence, or impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to different degrees" serves as an adverbial modifier that highlights variations in intensity or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While alternatives such as "to varying extents" or "in varying proportions" exist, "to different degrees" provides a versatile means of expressing nuanced differences, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to scalar differences and remember to use the plural form "degrees". Given its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist, mastering its usage can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to varying extents

Emphasizes the range of variation in extent rather than degree.

to different extents

Focuses on the variable extent of something, similar to degree.

to different levels

Highlights hierarchical variation instead of gradual differences.

to varying levels

Similar to different levels, but stresses the changing nature.

to diverse extents

Stresses the wide variety of extents.

in varying proportions

Indicates different ratios or shares.

in varying measures

Suggests that something is quantified in different amounts.

with varying intensity

Focuses on the strength or force that changes.

in different ways

Highlights the variance of the methodology rather than quantity or degree.

on a sliding scale

Implies continuous, rather than discrete, variation.

FAQs

How can I use "to different degrees" in a sentence?

The phrase "to different degrees" indicates variations in intensity or magnitude. For example, "The new policies affected employees "to different degrees" depending on their department".

What are some alternatives to "to different degrees"?

Alternatives include "to varying extents", "to different extents", or "in varying proportions", which can be used depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "to different degree" instead of "to different degrees"?

No, "to different degree" is grammatically incorrect. The plural form, ""to different degrees"", is required to indicate that there are multiple levels or extents.

How does "to different degrees" differ from "to a certain extent"?

"To a certain extent" implies a limited or partial effect, whereas ""to different degrees"" emphasizes that the effect varies among different subjects or situations.