at its largest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its largest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the maximum size or extent of something, often in a comparative or descriptive context. Example: "The galaxy appears most magnificent at its largest, showcasing countless stars and celestial bodies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At its largest, it covered 7.68 million sq km (2.96 million sq miles) - a total of 2.24 million square nautical miles.

BBC

Watch it rise just after sunset, when it will appear at its largest.

Huffington Post

At its largest points in June 2008, it was 110 m in length, 20 m wide and 3.2 m deep.

Plosone

"The constructions are mainly from the time when Serdica was the capital of the Roman province Inner Dacia - it was then that the city was at its largest and most flourishing," said archaeologist Mario Ivanov.

Huffington Post

Venus is at its largest and presents its "new phase" when it is between Earth and the Sun.

Wikipedia

At its largest, the glacier sat almost atop the Chandra, slowly filling it with frigid meltwater; now it is barely visible from the banks.

The New Yorker

At its largest the party swelled to 50.

The Guardian

The wage gap between white and black workers is still at its largest between men.

The Guardian

The company has slowed production at its largest factory in Rocky Mount, N.C., which had the most extensive problems.

The New York Times

Camp Bastion, surrounded by desert, grew into a sprawling base and at its largest had a perimeter of 22 miles.

The Guardian

The fossils indicate that at its smallest Sifrhippus weighed about eight and a half pounds, and at its largest about 15 pounds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the historical size of empires or organizations, use "at its largest" to provide context for their period of greatest influence or reach. For example, "The Roman Empire, at its largest, controlled vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "at its largest" automatically implies "at its best". While a larger size might indicate greater influence, it doesn't always equate to success or positive impact. Specify what made that period significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its largest" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or noun, providing information about the size or extent of something at a particular time. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its largest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the maximum size, extent, or capacity of something. Ludwig AI validates its consistent use across various sources, spanning from News & Media to scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly specifying the criteria for “largest” (e.g., area, population, volume) and avoid assuming that maximum size equates to maximum value or success. Consider using alternatives such as "at its peak" or "at its greatest extent" depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its maximum

Uses "maximum" as a direct synonym for "largest", emphasizing the upper limit or extent.

at its greatest extent

Replaces "largest" with "greatest extent", focusing on spatial dimension.

at its peak

Replaces "largest" with "peak", focusing on the point of greatest intensity or achievement rather than physical size.

at its fullest

Substitutes "largest" with "fullest", suggesting completeness or the highest degree of capacity.

at its most extensive

Uses "most extensive" to emphasize the reach or coverage.

at its most expansive

Replaces "largest" with "most expansive", highlighting the breadth or scope.

at its most voluminous

Replaces "largest" with "most voluminous", focusing on volume or capacity.

when it was biggest

Offers a simpler, more direct way of expressing the idea using common vocabulary.

at its widest point

Focuses specifically on width as the measure of size, replacing "largest" with "widest".

in its most developed form

Highlights the complete form of something in the sense of structure.

FAQs

How can I use "at its largest" in a sentence?

Use "at its largest" to describe the peak size, extent, or capacity of something. For example, "The company, at its largest, employed over 10,000 people".

What are some alternatives to "at its largest"?

You can use alternatives such as "at its peak", "at its maximum", or "at its greatest extent" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at its largest size" or just "at its largest"?

"At its largest" is generally sufficient and more concise. Adding "size" is redundant unless you need to specifically emphasize the physical dimensions.

What is the difference between "at its largest" and "at its fullest"?

"At its largest" refers to physical size or extent, while "at its fullest" implies capacity, completion, or the highest degree of something. For example, a glass can be "at its fullest" (filled to the top), but a country is "at its largest" (in terms of territory).