at both extremes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at both extremes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two opposite ends of a spectrum or range in various contexts, such as discussions about opinions, behaviors, or physical locations. Example: "The debate on climate change has opinions at both extremes, with some advocating for immediate action and others denying the need for any change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The world has taken her up at both extremes.

The New Yorker

Below are reviews of shows at both extremes.

The New York Times

And the industry is getting the message, at both extremes of the restaurant spectrum.

The Washington Post

At both extremes of the writer's experience, Mitchell was a shining avatar.

The New Yorker

At both extremes Balanchine remained loyal to the steps of ballet's classical idiom, the same language used differently.

The New York Times - Arts

At both extremes, the Philharmonic played magnificently, but then, in this music you would expect no less.

The New York Times - Arts

Greater male variance means that although average IQ is identical in men and women, there are fewer average men and more at both extremes.

The New York Times - Health

She has been the court's balance wheel for a decade, urging caution when her colleagues at both extremes have sought absolutes.

The New York Times - Books

I'm hoping to take a look at both extremes as well as the middle, through people, the land, the crops and animals, and of course through cooking.

The New York Times

"Patients at both extremes of age handle drugs differently, primarily due to differences in body size and kidney function," the experts wrote.

The New York Times - Health

Other proteins are induced strongly at both extremes of pH, compared to pH 7. Current work continues to dissect the relationship between effects of pH, oxygen level and osmolarity.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at both extremes" to clearly indicate that you are considering the full range or spectrum of a given variable or characteristic. This phrase is effective when comparing or contrasting the outer limits of a distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "at both extremes" when you simply mean a variety of options or a general range. This phrase is specifically for highlighting the outermost limits of something, not just any point within it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at both extremes" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by specifying where something occurs relative to a range or spectrum. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

53%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at both extremes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the presence or relevance of something at the highest and lowest ends of a spectrum and is commonly used across diverse contexts such as science, news media, and academia. It's important to use this phrase when specifically referring to the outermost limits of a variable, rather than just a general range. Alternatives such as "at opposite ends" or "on both sides" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the two extremes

Adds emphasis to the presence of two distinct extremes.

at opposite ends

Focuses on the spatial or conceptual separation of the two ends.

at either extreme

Emphasizes the selection of one extreme or the other.

from one extreme to the other

Highlights the full extent of the range being considered.

at the polar opposites

Emphasizes the contrasting nature of the extremes.

at the high and low ends

Specifically refers to a range with upper and lower limits.

at maximum and minimum levels

Specifically refers to quantifiable levels at the extremes.

on both sides

Broader term applicable when referring to literal sides or figurative aspects.

across the spectrum

Implies a continuous range rather than just two distinct points.

in the best and worst cases

Focuses on evaluation and outcome at the extremes.

FAQs

How can I use "at both extremes" in a sentence?

You can use "at both extremes" to describe conditions or opinions that are found at the highest and lowest ends of a spectrum. For example, "The company saw high engagement "at both extremes" of the age demographic."

What are some alternatives to "at both extremes"?

Alternatives include "at opposite ends", "at either extreme", or "on both sides", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "at both extremes"?

Use "at both extremes" when you want to emphasize a comparison or contrast between the highest and lowest values or positions in a given range. It's best used when those endpoints have a significant impact or difference.

What's the difference between "at both extremes" and "across the spectrum"?

"At both extremes" focuses on the endpoints of a range, while "across the spectrum" implies consideration of all points within that range, not just the ends.