at opposite extremes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at opposite extremes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two things that are very different or at the far ends of a spectrum. Example: "The two proposals represent ideas that are at opposite extremes of the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Here, we evaluate two microdevices at opposite extremes of fluidic resistance and evaluate three pumping routines on each device.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

An exergy analysis showed that both designs located at opposite extremes of the Pareto-optimal front have an energy savings advantage over the reference design.

Applied Thermal Engineering

The disasters at Manzikert and at Bari, in the same year 1071, at opposite extremes of the empire, graphically illustrate the decline of Byzantine power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Kitano said: "Basically I try to make all of my films so that they can be interpreted at opposite extremes of the spectrum.

The New York Times

"I am against Guantánamo because I think it is a violation of human rights," he says crisply.Dissident voiceEU policy on Cuba has wavered in recent years, with Spain and the Czech Republic more or less at opposite extremes.

The Economist

It's not hard to think of examples at opposite extremes.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They are at the opposite extremes of NBC programming.

The New York Times - Arts

Some LMs expressed more than one meaning simultaneously (but never meanings at the opposite extremes of the continuum).

Princeton University

Over the last year, I tracked the progress of two matchmaking efforts at the opposite extremes of wealth.

The New York Times

The emergence of Sanders and Trump at the opposite extremes of the political spectrum is symptomatic of the state of our system.

Huffington Post

TR and OR lie at the opposite extremes of a continuum, with little or no chance of interaction and/or cross-fertilization.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at opposite extremes", ensure that the context clearly establishes the spectrum or scale to which the extremes refer. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at opposite extremes" when the situation involves merely different options or preferences, rather than points on a defined continuum. Using it loosely dilutes its impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at opposite extremes" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the location or state of being regarding two contrasting entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It indicates the position of two or more items on opposing ends of a defined spectrum.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at opposite extremes" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize stark contrast between two entities within a defined spectrum. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic writing. Its function is primarily adverbial, serving to modify and add detail to the meaning of a sentence. While alternatives like "at polar opposites" or "diametrically opposed" exist, "at opposite extremes" holds its own due to its balanced tone suitable for formal and neutral settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at polar opposites

Replaces "extremes" with "polar opposites", emphasizing the complete opposition between two things.

at contrasting ends

Substitutes "opposite extremes" with "contrasting ends", focusing on the contrast between the end points of a spectrum.

at divergent points

Replaces "extremes" with "divergent points", highlighting the diverging nature of the two positions.

at contrary positions

Uses "contrary positions" to emphasize the conflicting nature of the two extremes.

at the furthest reaches

Focuses on the extent of the divergence, using "furthest reaches" to replace "opposite extremes".

at opposing poles

Employs "opposing poles" as a substitute, drawing an analogy to magnetic or geographical extremes.

at completely different ends

Adds emphasis with "completely different", highlighting the extent of the difference.

in stark contrast

Expresses the idea of being very different, but with a slightly different structure.

diametrically opposed

Uses a more formal and concise way to describe complete opposition.

worlds apart

Uses a more figurative and emphatic way to describe extreme difference.

FAQs

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

Use "at opposite extremes" to describe two entities that are as different as possible within a given range or spectrum. For example, "The political candidates stand "at opposite extremes" on economic policy".

What are some alternatives to "at opposite extremes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at polar opposites", "at contrasting ends", or "diametrically opposed".

Is it better to say "at opposite extremes" or "at the opposite extreme"?

"At opposite extremes" refers to two distinct ends of a spectrum, while "at the opposite extreme" refers to a single point that is the furthest away from another designated point. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "at opposite extremes" and "at opposite ends"?

While both phrases suggest contrast, "at opposite extremes" often implies a more pronounced or significant difference than "at opposite ends". "Extremes" suggests the furthest possible points, whereas "ends" can be more general.