(으)ㄹ 정도로

Overview

(으)ㄹ 정도로 is a connective ending used to express the degree or extent of an action, state, or situation described in the preceding clause. It essentially means "to the extent that..." or "so much that..."

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Usage

This expression connects two clauses, where the first clause (V/A + (으)ㄹ 정도로) describes a benchmark or a reference point for the degree of the second clause. It emphasizes how extreme, intense, or significant the action or state in the second clause is by comparing it to the situation described in the first clause. It is often used to express surprise, exaggeration, or strong feelings, and the second clause frequently describes a consequence or result of the extent mentioned in the first clause.

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Conjugation Rules

(으)ㄹ 정도로 attaches to verb and adjective stems:

• Verbs/Adjectives ending in a consonant (excluding ㄹ): Add -을 정도로

  • Example: 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹을 정도로
  • Example: 좋다 (to be good) -> 좋을 정도로

• Verbs/Adjectives ending in a vowel or ㄹ consonant: Add -ㄹ 정도로

  • Example: 가다 (to go) -> 갈 정도로
  • Example: 만들다 (to make) -> 만들 정도로
  • Example: 바쁘다 (to be busy) -> 바쁠 정도로

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Knowledge Plus

(으)ㄹ 정도로 can sometimes be shortened to (으)ㄹ 정도 when used at the end of a sentence or followed by a particle like -로. It is often used with adverbs like 너무 (too much), 아주 (very), 정말 (really) to further emphasize the degree. While similar to expressions like -만큼 (as much as), (으)ㄹ 정도로 specifically highlights the degree or extent of something, often implying a surprising or significant level. It can also be used to indicate a reasonable or acceptable level, such as in "먹을 정도로만 주세요" (Please give me only enough to eat).