Meaning & use
to some degree
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
partly, but not completely; used to say that something is true in a limited way
Grammar: Often goes at the end of a sentence or clause, or after 'but'. It can also come before the main clause.
Patterns
- something is true to some degree
- to some degree, ...
Her success is due to some degree to luck.
To some degree, we are all responsible for the problem.
The two languages are similar to some degree, but the grammar is very different.
Common combinations
- true to some degree
- What she says is true to some degree, but she ignores the costs.
- to some degree or other
- Most of us are affected by advertising to some degree or other.
- depend to some degree on something
- The final result depends to some degree on the weather.
- vary to some degree
- Prices vary to some degree from one store to another.
- to some degree responsible
- The manager was to some degree responsible for the delay.
Synonyms and how they differ
- partly
- Partly is more common in everyday speech and usually comes before an adjective or verb; to some degree is a little more formal and often comes at the end.
- somewhat
- Somewhat is more formal and usually comes before an adjective; to some degree can stand alone at the end of a clause.
- in part
- In part is close in meaning but often suggests that something is only one of several reasons, while to some degree focuses on the amount.
Opposites
Commonly confused: to some degree or to some extent?
to some degree vs to some extent
This is a very close synonym and often interchangeable, but 'extent' is slightly more formal and common in writing.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'to some degree' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'To some degree' means 'partly' and fits at the end of the clause. The other options use it with words that do not match its meaning or grammar.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to some degree”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.