To some extent

How it is used

A common hedging phrase in discussion sections and essays: 'This is true to some extent.' Variants include to a certain extent, to a large extent and to a lesser extent. It can begin or end a clause.

Example sentences

1. To some extent, the results confirm earlier findings, but the effect was smaller.

2. Online tools reduced students' anxiety to some extent.

Common collocations

• true to some extent
• agree to some extent
• to a certain extent
• to a large extent

Related terms

• hedgingUsing cautious language, such as may, might, appear to or suggest, so that a claim is only as strong as the evidence allows.
• it could be argued thatA cautious, impersonal way to introduce a point or interpretation without presenting it as a fixed personal opinion.
• suggestIn academic writing, to indicate that something is probably true without proving it; it can also mean to put forward an idea or recommendation.
• claimA statement that something is true, which may or may not yet be supported by enough evidence.

More terms: Argument and Hedging

• argument
• evidence
• argue
• counterargument
• stance
• acknowledge
• arguably
• tentative
• plausible
• tend to
• it is worth noting that
• assert