what degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking about the extent or level of something, often in relation to a specific context or subject matter. Example: "What degree of difficulty do you think this task will present?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With what degree of success?

The New Yorker

What degree of disability?

The New York Times - Magazine

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 did you believe him?

The New Yorker

To what degree is John shy?

Britannica

With what degree of enthusiasm or constraint?

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what degree", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured. For example, "To what degree does price reflect quality?"

Common error

Avoid using "what degree" in isolation. Always specify the subject or aspect being measured to provide context. For example, instead of asking "What degree?", specify "What degree of accuracy is needed?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what degree" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the extent, level, or intensity of a particular attribute or characteristic. It prompts for a measurement or assessment of something, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "To what degree are you politically active?".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what degree" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about the extent, level, or intensity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While it is generally appropriate in neutral to formal settings, ensuring contextual clarity is essential for effective communication. Alternatives such as "to what extent" or "how much" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid vague questions and always specify the subject being measured to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to what extent

Replaces "degree" with "extent", focusing on the scope or range of something.

to what level

Substitutes "degree" with "level", emphasizing a hierarchical measure.

how much

Offers a simpler, more direct way to ask about quantity or amount.

to what intensity

Replaces "degree" with "intensity", highlighting the strength or force of something.

to what depth

Replaces "degree" with "depth", emphasizing the profundity or complexity of something.

in what measure

Uses "measure" instead of "degree", focusing on a quantifiable amount.

to what magnitude

Substitutes "degree" with "magnitude", highlighting the size or importance.

to what proportion

Emphasizes the relative amount or ratio of something.

how far

Simplifies the question to focus on the distance or progression of something.

in what capacity

Focuses on the role or ability in which something is present.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what degree" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, use phrases like "to what extent", "to what level", or "in what measure". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated way to inquire about the magnitude or scope of something.

Is it always necessary to follow "what degree" with "of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to follow "what degree" with "of" to specify what is being measured. For example, "What degree of accuracy?" or "What degree of influence?" are appropriate usages.

What is the difference between "what degree" and "how much"?

"What degree" is often used when inquiring about the intensity or level of something, while "how much" is typically used for quantifiable amounts. For example, "What degree of effort is required?" versus "How much water is needed?"

When is it appropriate to use "what degree" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "what degree" is appropriate when exploring the extent or level of a variable, effect, or relationship. For instance, "To what degree does sample size impact computer-scoring success?" is a suitable question for research.