to the highest degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to the highest degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a quantity or quality that exceeds expectations. For example, "The quality of care at this medical center is astounding, to the highest degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's Basketball 101 to the highest degree".

The New York Times - Sports

I was humiliated to the highest degree possible.

The New Yorker

He had great ideas – perceptive to the highest degree and witty, too".

The Guardian

Starting out with a small staff, Bohr's institute soon accomplished those goals to the highest degree.

Britannica

"Anybody who leaks classified information will be held to the highest degree of law," he added.

The Guardian

The name itself — Char No. 4 — refers to the highest degree of charring such barrels receive before the aging process.

The New Yorker

Government lawyers contended the documents are "sensitive to the highest degree" and public disclosure would damage the national interest.

The Guardian

The brominated flame retardant congeners BDE47, BDE153 and BDE154 are among the congeners accumulating to the highest degree in fish.

Aquatic Toxicology

In view of this, an acidification design was proposed to minimize the contamination skin factor to the highest degree.

Natural Gas Industry B

Some of these desiderata are partly in conflict, and they cannot all be satisfied to the highest degree.

Artificial Intelligence

It was agreed to raise the threat level to the highest degree possible, a decision that confirmed another attack is expected imminently.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to the highest degree" to emphasize the exceptional quality or extent of something. It adds a formal and impactful tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to the highest degree" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "very" or "extremely" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the highest degree" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to intensify their meaning. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to the highest degree" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the exceptional level or extent of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While its formality makes it less common in casual conversation, mastering its use can enhance your writing's impact. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "to the greatest extent" for informal settings. By avoiding overuse and understanding its appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "to the highest degree" to add emphasis and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the greatest extent

Focuses on the extent or scope, emphasizing how far something goes.

to the utmost level

Emphasizes the level or position achieved, suggesting the peak of something.

to the fullest extent possible

Highlights the potential for something to be maximized under given conditions.

to a maximum degree

Directly states that something reaches its maximum level or point.

to a supreme extent

Uses "supreme" to convey the idea of the highest possible level of extent.

to an extreme degree

Indicates a very high level, potentially implying that something is excessive.

to the nth degree

Implies an immeasurable or infinite extent, suggesting completeness.

in the fullest measure

Highlights the concept of something being complete or abundant.

at the peak of perfection

Focuses specifically on achieving the highest state of flawlessness or excellence.

with maximum intensity

Emphasizes the strength or force with which something is done.

FAQs

How can I use "to the highest degree" in a sentence?

You can use "to the highest degree" to emphasize the extent or intensity of something. For example, "The team performed their duties "to the highest degree", ensuring the project's success."

What are some alternatives to saying "to the highest degree"?

Alternatives include "to the greatest extent", "to the utmost level", or "to the fullest extent possible". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "to the highest degree" formal or informal?

"To the highest degree" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "very" or "extremely" might be more suitable.

Which is correct, "to a high degree" or "to the highest degree"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "to the highest degree" emphasizes the maximum possible extent or intensity, while "to a high degree" simply indicates a significant level.