"to a certain extent" vs "to certain extent"

Question

"to a certain extent" vs "to certain extent"

Both "to a certain extent" and "to certain extent" are correct, but "to a certain extent" is the more commonly used and idiomatic phrase in English. It is important to include the article "a" before "certain extent" to convey the intended meaning clearly.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that something is true or valid only up to a limited point or degree.

Examples:

I agree with you to a certain extent, but I also have some reservations.
His theory is correct to a certain extent, but it doesn't explain all the observations.
To a certain extent, we can control the outcome of the project.
She was right to a certain extent about the issue.
The success of the plan depends to a certain extent on external factors.

Alternatives:

to some extent
partially
in part
to a degree
to a limited extent

This phrase is also used to indicate that something is true or valid only up to a limited point or degree.

Examples:

I agree with you to certain extent, but I also have some reservations.
His theory is correct to certain extent, but it doesn't explain all the observations.
To certain extent, we can control the outcome of the project.
She was right to certain extent about the issue.
The success of the plan depends to certain extent on external factors.

Alternatives:

to a certain extent
to some extent
partially
in part
to a degree

Answer 1

to a certain extent

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

to certain extent

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"to a certain extent" vs "to certain extent"

to a certain extent

to certain extent

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