To some extent means partly, to a certain degree: the curtains reduce the noise to some extent. It comes with a scale: to a large extent means mostly, to a certain extent means in part. In IELTS, To what extent do you agree? is answered with exactly this: I agree to a large extent, then you explain where.
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to some extent, ...; agree / depend / contribute to some extent; also to a certain extent
- The new curtains reduce the street noise to some extent.
- To some extent, the delay was caused by the missing labels.
- We all rely on familiar routines to some extent.
What changed
First versionThe extra practice improved his accuracy in some extent.
RevisionThe extra practice improved his accuracy to some extent.
We say in some ways and in some cases, so in some extent sounds natural. But English measures degree with to: to some extent, to a large extent. The preposition changed, and the phrase is correct.
Up to a point also means partly, but it usually prepares an objection: true up to a point, but... To some extent is more neutral and just shows a share: the delay was, to some extent, our fault. Sometimes is about frequency, not degree.
Your turn
The change helped partly, not completely: It helped to some ___.
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extent — You need the noun extent, meaning degree. Extend is a verb meaning make longer or bigger, and it can't follow some.
Describe a change that helped only partly, and say what is still unsolved. Use to some extent.
The new signs help visitors to some extent, but the side entrance is still hard to find.
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