What is partly? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "partly" in English. It's a versatile word that expresses a degree of something, but not entirely. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Basic Meaning:

• Partly: Meaning "to some extent" or "somewhat." It indicates that something is mixed with other things, or that a degree of something exists.

2. Grammatical Structure:

• Adverb: "Partly" is almost always used as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

3. Common Uses & Examples:

• Describing a Mixed State: This is the most frequent use.

  • “The cake was partly chocolate and partly vanilla.” (It's a combination of both)
  • “He was partly right, but mostly wrong.” (He got some things correct, but not all)
  • “The road was partly blocked by debris.” (Some of the road was obstructed)
  • “The solution was partly successful.” (It had some positive effects, but wasn't entirely successful)

• Describing a Degree (often with adjectives): You can use “partly” to add a qualification to an adjective.

  • “It’s partly cloudy.” (It’s cloudy to some degree but not completely)
  • “He’s partly responsible.” (He contributed to the situation, but isn’t solely to blame.)
  • "The problem is partly due to lack of funding.” (Some of the problem stems from a lack of money)

• With “agree” / “disagree”: To indicate a partial agreement or disagreement.

  • "I partly agree with your opinion.” (I agree to some extent, but not entirely)
  • "She partly disagreed with the proposal.” (She had reservations about the proposal)

• With “understand”: To show a partial understanding.

  • “I partly understand the instructions.” (I grasp some of them, but not all.)

4. Important Considerations:

• Contrast with "entirely" or "completely": “Partly” is the opposite of words like “entirely,” “completely,” “totally,” or “absolutely.” If you mean all of something, use those words.

• “Part” vs. “Partly”: “Part” is a noun (a section or piece). “Partly” is an adverb describing how something is.

• Double “Part”: Avoid using both "part" and "partly" in the same sentence unless you're deliberately doing so for a specific effect, which is rare. It can sound awkward.

5. Practice Examples:

• “The investigation was partly closed due to lack of evidence.”
• “She felt partly guilty and partly relieved.”
• “The schedule is partly online and partly printed.”
• "The success was partly attributed to his hard work."

Resources for Further Learning:

• Grammarly Blog: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/partly-vs-partly (Excellent explanation and examples)
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/partly
• Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partly

Do you want me to:

• Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., writing, speaking)?
• Help you differentiate "partly" from similar words (e.g., "somewhat," "a little")?