To different extents
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this to show that while a statement is true, it doesn't apply equally to everyone involved.
15秒了解
- Used to show that intensity varies among a group.
- A polite way to avoid making broad generalizations.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or serious settings.
意思
This phrase describes a situation where several things are true or affected, but not in the same way or amount. It is a polite way to say 'everyone is involved, but some more than others.'
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a group project
The students contributed to the final report to different extents.
The students contributed to the final report to different extents.
Talking about a spicy meal
We all enjoyed the curry, though we were sweating to different extents.
We all enjoyed the curry, though we were sweating to different extents.
Feedback after a company merger
Employees were affected by the changes to different extents.
Employees were affected by the changes to different extents.
文化背景
The phrase stems from the Western intellectual tradition of empiricism and nuance. It became a staple of academic and legal English to ensure that statements were technically accurate and couldn't be easily debunked. In modern culture, it is often used by politicians and managers to deliver news without sounding too blunt.
The 'Degree' Swap
If you find yourself saying 'to different extents' too much, swap it with 'to varying degrees'. They are almost identical in meaning!
Don't over-explain
The phrase already implies things are different. You don't need to say 'to different extents and in different ways' unless you really want to be wordy.
15秒了解
- Used to show that intensity varies among a group.
- A polite way to avoid making broad generalizations.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or serious settings.
What It Means
Imagine you and your friends all got wet in the rain. You had an umbrella, but your friend didn't. You are both wet, but to different extents. It means a condition applies to a group, but the intensity varies. It is a sophisticated way to avoid saying 'everyone is the same.' It adds nuance to your speech. It shows you understand that life isn't just black and white.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the end of a sentence. You can also put it right after the verb. It works best when discussing a group of people or things. For example, 'The team was tired to different extents.' This means some were exhausted, while others were just a bit sleepy. It is a great tool for being precise without being wordy. Think of it as a volume knob for your facts.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be accurate and fair. It is perfect for professional feedback or academic writing. It also works well in serious conversations with friends. Use it when discussing how a movie affected people. Or use it when talking about how much your siblings look like your parents. It makes you sound thoughtful and observant. Plus, it prevents people from arguing that your claim is too broad.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if the difference is huge and obvious. If one person is rich and another is broke, don't say they are wealthy to different extents. That sounds a bit silly or sarcastic. Also, don't use it in very high-energy, casual slang sessions. It might sound a bit too 'university professor' for a loud party. Keep it for when you want to sound measured and calm.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' This means we avoid making absolute, 100% claims. We worry about being 'wrong' or 'too aggressive.' Phrases like to different extents act as a social safety net. They allow us to make a point while acknowledging exceptions. It reflects a culture that values individual differences and diplomatic speech.
Common Variations
To varying degrees: This is the most common twin of the phrase.In varying measures: A bit more poetic or old-fashioned.To some extent: Use this when talking about just one thing.More or less: The casual, 'lazy' cousin of the phrase.
使用说明
This is a C1-level phrase because it requires an understanding of 'hedging' in English. It is most at home in reports, debates, and careful explanations.
The 'Degree' Swap
If you find yourself saying 'to different extents' too much, swap it with 'to varying degrees'. They are almost identical in meaning!
Don't over-explain
The phrase already implies things are different. You don't need to say 'to different extents and in different ways' unless you really want to be wordy.
The Diplomat's Tool
In English-speaking offices, this is a 'safe' way to criticize. Saying 'The team failed to different extents' is softer than saying 'Bob failed completely.'
例句
6The students contributed to the final report to different extents.
The students contributed to the final report to different extents.
Implies some did more work than others without being mean.
We all enjoyed the curry, though we were sweating to different extents.
We all enjoyed the curry, though we were sweating to different extents.
A humorous way to describe varying levels of spice tolerance.
Employees were affected by the changes to different extents.
Employees were affected by the changes to different extents.
Very standard corporate phrasing to acknowledge widespread impact.
I think we're all feeling that wine today, just to different extents lol.
I think we're all feeling that wine today, just to different extents lol.
Softens the blow of a shared bad experience.
My brothers and I all have our father's temper, but to different extents.
My brothers and I all have our father's temper, but to different extents.
Used to describe shared genetic or personality traits.
We were all disappointed by the ending, but to different extents.
We all were disappointed by the ending, but to different extents.
Shows a consensus with room for individual opinion.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a rainy hike.
The hikers were soaked ___, depending on whether they had rain gear.
Since some had gear and others didn't, the level of 'wetness' would vary.
Select the phrase that sounds most professional.
The departments were all over budget ___.
This phrase is the standard formal way to describe variation in a professional setting.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Spectrum of 'To Different Extents'
Using 'more or less' or 'sort of'.
We're all tired, more or less.
Using 'to varying degrees'.
The staff were affected to varying degrees.
The target phrase in a professional context.
The assets have depreciated to different extents.
Where to use 'To Different Extents'
Performance Review
The goals were met to different extents.
Health/Medical
Patients recovered to different extents.
Social Observation
We were all shocked to different extents.
Scientific Results
The plants grew to different extents.
常见问题
10 个问题Not exactly. Differently refers to the *manner* of doing something, while to different extents refers to the *amount* or *degree*.
Yes, but it makes you sound a bit more serious or educated. It’s great for a 'smart-casual' vibe.
Usually, it is plural (extents) when referring to a group of people or things, as each has its own 'extent' of impact.
Yes, if you are comparing one specific thing to another. For example, 'This year was difficult to a different extent than last year.'
Yes, it is very common in American professional and academic circles, though 'to varying degrees' is slightly more frequent in casual speech.
Only if you use it while wearing a monocle. In a normal office or school setting, it just sounds precise.
The opposite would be equally or uniformly. For example, 'We were all equally confused.'
It's rare. It almost always follows the verb or comes at the very end of the clause.
It is always extent (the noun). Extend is the verb, like 'to extend a deadline.'
No, it is neutral. You can be 'successful to different extents' just as easily as 'injured to different extents.'
相关表达
To varying degrees
Almost identical; used to show variation in intensity.
In some measure
To a certain amount or degree.
To a certain point
Up to a specific limit, but not beyond it.
Across the board
Applying to everyone equally (the opposite of our phrase).
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