to a certain extent — partly / not completely
expressionC1IELTS 7+formaloccasional
Used to say that something is true or applies, but only in part, not fully. It helps you qualify or limit what you are saying.
Say it like a native
Textbook This is accurate insofar as it pertains to certain limited circumstances.
Native That's true to a certain extent.
The chunk hedges cleanly; 'insofar as it pertains to certain limited circumstances' is tangled.
Pattern: to a certain extent, [clause]
In use
- To a certain extent, I agree with you, but I think there are other factors to consider.daily life
- To a certain extent, I believe that money can bring happiness, especially when it covers basic needs, but there are many other things that contribute to a fulfilling life.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I agree in a certain extent.
✓ I agree to a certain extent.
'TO a certain extent', not 'in'.
Common collocations
to a certain extent— to a certain extent, to some extent, true to a certain extent, only to a certain extent
Don't confuse it
'To a certain extent' is more formal and precise than 'kind of' or 'sort of', and less strong than 'to a large extent' or 'completely'.