to what degree

USAGE SUMMARY

'to what degree' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask how much or how far something is true or applicable. For example: To what degree has the global economy been affected by the pandemic?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To what degree?

The New York Times

"To what degree, I don't know.

The New York Times - Sports

If yes, to what degree?

The New York Times

To what degree remains unclear.

The Washington Post

To what degree was each side responsible?

The Guardian

To what degree is John shy?

Britannica

To what degree are a star's motives altruistic, and to what degree self-promotional?

The New York Times - Style

But we don't know to what degree.

Columbia University

To what degree is any of this "real"?

The New York Times - Arts

"The question is not if, but to what degree".

The Economist

"It will always exist, just a matter to what degree".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "to what degree" is generally acceptable in most contexts, "how much" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "to what degree" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "how much" or "how far" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to what degree" serves as an interrogative adverbial, modifying a verb or clause to inquire about the extent or intensity of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, aligning with examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to what degree" is a versatile interrogative phrase used to inquire about the extent, intensity, or amount of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. Remember to consider the clarity of your writing and ensure that the variable being measured is well-defined. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "to what degree" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to what extent

This alternative is nearly synonymous, focusing on the scope or range of something.

to what level

This alternative emphasizes the specific point or stage reached.

how much

This alternative is a more direct and informal way to ask about quantity or amount.

to what measure

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the standard used for evaluation.

to what proportion

This alternative focuses on the relative amount or ratio.

to what intensity

This alternative emphasizes the strength or force of something.

to what magnitude

This alternative is suited for emphasizing a great size or importance.

to what point

This alternative focuses on a specific stage or moment in a process or continuum.

to what amount

This alternative focuses on the total quantity or sum.

in what capacity

This alternative focuses on the role or function something fulfills.

FAQs

How can I use "to what degree" in a sentence?

You can use "to what degree" to inquire about the extent or intensity of something. For example, "To what degree is climate change affecting coastal communities?"

What are some alternatives to "to what degree"?

Alternatives include "to what extent", "how much", or "to what level", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "to what degree" formal or informal?

"To what degree" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more direct alternatives like "how much" may be preferred in casual settings.

What's the difference between "to what degree" and "to what extent"?

While often interchangeable, "to what degree" typically implies a measurable intensity or amount, whereas "to what extent" focuses on the scope or range of something.