在 + 很大／一定 + 程度上
to a large extent; to some extent; in a sense
Structure
在 很大／一定／某种 程度上 ＋ 判断或动词
What it means
A hedge that limits a claim instead of stating it outright: 很大 “to a large extent”, 一定 “to some extent”, 某种 “in a sense”; 极大 is stronger still.
How it is built
在 + 很大／一定／某种 + 程度上 + verb or predicate: 孩子的阅读习惯在很大程度上取决于父母 (children's reading habits depend largely on their parents). It can head the sentence; brisk prose drops 在.
When to use it
The voice of reports, research and serious journalism (在一定程度上反映了…). In speech people say 大部分是 or 有点儿.
Watch out
Keep 上: ✗在很大程度. Not 很多: ✗在很多程度上 (程度 is a degree, not a quantity). 一定 here is “a certain”, not “certainly”: 在一定程度上是对的 grants only part of the point.
Examples
在心理学家看来，MBTI的“准”在很大程度上也是一种错觉。
In psychologists’ eyes the MBTI’s “accuracy” is largely an illusion too.
孩子的阅读习惯在很大程度上取决于父母。
Children’s reading habits depend to a large extent on their parents.
这种说法在一定程度上有道理，但不能说得太绝对。
There is some truth in this view, but it should not be pushed too far.
Learn this in Lesson 249 · HSK 9+: i人还是e人 (Introvert or extrovert?)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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