Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To a considerable degree; largely; mostly: This phrase indicates that something is true or happens in a large or significant measure, but not necessarily completely.

Usage

• The phrase "to a great extent" is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a high degree or large proportion. It is formal and often used in analytical, academic, or descriptive writing.
• It typically appears at the beginning or end of a clause, or after the verb it modifies.

Examples

• Modifying a verb:

  • The success of the project depended to a great extent on teamwork.
  • Her opinion has changed to a great extent since she learned the new facts.

• Modifying an adjective:

  • The theory is, to a great extent, consistent with the observed data.
  • The damage was to a great extent irreversible.

• Modifying a clause (often at the beginning):

  • To a great extent, the future of the company is in your hands.

Advanced Usage

• "to a very great extent": An intensified form emphasizing an even larger degree.
  • The climate crisis is to a very great extent a result of human activity.
• "to what extent": Used in questions to inquire about the degree or scope of something.
  • To what extent were you involved in the planning?
• "to such an extent that": Used to introduce a result clause, showing a degree so high that it leads to a specific consequence.
  • He was worried to such an extent that he couldn't sleep.

Variants and Related Words

• Largely (adv): To a great extent; mostly.
  • The report is largely accurate.
• Mostly (adv): For the most part; mainly.
  • The audience was mostly students.
• Considerably (adv): By a notably large amount or to a notably large degree; significantly.
  • The price has increased considerably.
• To a large extent (adv phrase): A very close synonym with identical meaning and usage.
  • This is, to a large extent, a political issue.

Synonyms

• For the most part
• In large measure
• Predominantly
• Substantially

Antonyms

• To a small extent
• Hardly
• Barely
• Minimally

Related Phrases

• In part: Partly; not entirely. (Implies a smaller degree than "to a great extent").
  • The delay was in part due to bad weather.
• By and large: On the whole; generally speaking.
  • By and large, the event was a success.

Adverb

1. to a considerable degree
   • he relied heavily on others' data