large extent
حد كبير
Literally: big scale
Use it to say 'mostly' when you want to sound professional, thoughtful, and precise.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'mostly' or 'to a great degree'.
- Used to show high agreement without being 100%.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious conversations.
Meaning
When you say something is true to a 'large extent', you mean it is mostly true or almost completely finished. It is like saying '80% or 90%' without using numbers.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a movie with a friend
To a large extent, the sequel was better than the original.
To a large extent, the sequel was better than the original.
A business meeting about a project
The new policy has been successful to a large extent.
The new policy has been successful to a large extent.
Texting a teammate about progress
I've finished the slides to a large extent, just need to polish the intro.
I've finished the slides to a large extent, just need to polish the intro.
Cultural Background
This phrase stems from the English preference for 'understatement' and precision. It became popular in the 19th century in legal and academic writing to avoid making absolute claims that could be proven wrong. Today, it is a hallmark of 'educated' speech in both the UK and the US.
The 'To' Rule
Always start with the word `to`. People often try to say 'in a large extent,' but that is a common mistake. Remember: 'To the limit, to the extent!'
Don't over-use it
If you use this phrase in every sentence, you will sound like a textbook. Save it for your main points to keep its impact strong.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'mostly' or 'to a great degree'.
- Used to show high agreement without being 100%.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious conversations.
What It Means
Think of a scale from zero to one hundred. If you agree with someone to a large extent, you are sitting comfortably at eighty or ninety. It means 'mostly' or 'to a great degree.' It is not a total 'yes,' but it is very close. You use it when you want to be precise about how much you agree or how much a situation has changed.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the beginning or the end of a sentence. You can say, 'To a large extent, the party was a success.' Or you can say, 'The project is finished to a large extent.' It acts like a modifier. It tells your listener the volume of your statement. It is a very handy tool for sounding more sophisticated than just saying 'mostly.'
When To Use It
Use this when you are discussing results, opinions, or changes. It is perfect for a meeting when a boss asks if the work is done. It is also great when talking to a friend about a movie. Maybe you did not love every second, but you liked it to a large extent. It shows you are thinking deeply about your answer. It is the 'adult' way to say 'pretty much.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple 'yes' or 'no' facts. If someone asks if you are hungry, do not say 'To a large extent.' That sounds like you are a robot trying to be human. Avoid it in very high-energy, emotional moments. If you are proposing to someone, do not say you love them to a large extent. That is a one-way ticket to being single. Keep it for analytical or descriptive moments.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to be slightly indirect. We often avoid saying '100%' because it feels too risky. Using large extent gives you a little bit of 'wiggle room.' It is a very British and Academic way of speaking that has moved into everyday professional life. It reflects a culture that values nuance and careful observation over loud, absolute statements.
Common Variations
You will often hear to a great extent or to a certain extent. To a great extent is even stronger. To a certain extent is more like 50/50. If you want to sound very formal, you might say to a significant extent. They all help you map out exactly how much of something you are talking about without needing a calculator.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a 'booster' for your formality. Use it in essays, emails to your boss, or when giving a serious opinion to sound more credible.
The 'To' Rule
Always start with the word `to`. People often try to say 'in a large extent,' but that is a common mistake. Remember: 'To the limit, to the extent!'
Don't over-use it
If you use this phrase in every sentence, you will sound like a textbook. Save it for your main points to keep its impact strong.
The Polite Disagreement
In British culture, saying 'I agree to a large extent' is a polite way of saying 'I don't agree with everything you said.' It's a soft way to bring up a small objection.
Examples
6To a large extent, the sequel was better than the original.
To a large extent, the sequel was better than the original.
Used here to offer a nuanced opinion on entertainment.
The new policy has been successful to a large extent.
The new policy has been successful to a large extent.
Professional way to report positive results.
I've finished the slides to a large extent, just need to polish the intro.
I've finished the slides to a large extent, just need to polish the intro.
Informal but clear communication about work status.
I agree that it was my fault to a large extent.
I agree that it was my fault to a large extent.
Shows accountability while acknowledging other factors.
My room is clean to a large extent, if you ignore the pile of clothes in the corner.
My room is clean to a large extent, if you ignore the pile of clothes in the corner.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
The erosion is caused, to a large extent, by rising sea levels.
The erosion is caused, to a large extent, by rising sea levels.
Classic academic use to show cause and effect.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence in a professional way.
The success of the event was, ___, due to your hard work.
The standard collocation is 'to a [adjective] extent'.
Which preposition always starts this phrase?
___ a large extent, I think you are right.
We always use 'To' when describing the degree or extent of something.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Mostly' Synonyms
Very casual, used with friends.
It's pretty much done.
Neutral, works anywhere.
It's mostly finished.
Formal/Professional, sounds educated.
It is finished to a large extent.
Where to use 'Large Extent'
Job Interview
I am familiar with the software to a large extent.
News Report
The city has recovered to a large extent.
University Essay
This theory is true to a large extent.
Serious Talk
I trust your judgment to a large extent.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt simply means 'mostly' or 'largely.' If you say a task is done to a large extent, it means you are almost finished.
They are almost identical. To a great extent sounds slightly more dramatic or stronger, while large extent is more standard.
Yes, but only if the topic is serious. If you are texting about pizza toppings, it might sound a bit too formal or sarcastic.
It usually goes at the very beginning followed by a comma, or at the very end. For example: To a large extent, I agree or I agree to a large extent.
It is always to. Using 'in' is a very common error for non-native speakers. Always stick with to.
No, it specifically means 'not quite 100%.' It suggests there is a small part that is not included or finished.
Yes, it is used in all major English dialects, especially in business, law, and journalism.
Yes! You can say to a small extent if you only agree a little bit. It follows the same grammar rules.
Using to a large extent makes you sound more professional and precise. It is great for writing or formal presentations.
Not at all. It is the opposite of slang. It is a formal collocation used in professional settings.
Related Phrases
For the most part
In general; mostly.
By and large
On the whole; everything considered.
To a certain degree
Partly, but not completely.
In the main
Mostly or principally (very formal).
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