extent of evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extent of evil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the degree or magnitude of evil in a particular context, such as literature, philosophy, or moral discussions. Example: "The extent of evil in the story was shocking, revealing the dark nature of the characters involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nothing much needs to be added, save perhaps St Thomas might have underestimated the extent of evil in this world and the fallen state of its inhabitants.

The Guardian - Books

Under the influence of the 18th-century revolt against belief in the supernatural, liberal Christian theology tended to treat the biblical language about Satan as "picture thinking" not to be taken literally as a mythological attempt to express the reality and extent of evil in the universe, existing outside and apart from man but profoundly influencing the human sphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They force us to think about the extent of the evil unleashed specifically by racism.

The New Yorker

During the game, however, she realises the extent of her evil, simultaneously caring for the Little Sisters and regretting her part in their genesis.

The Guardian - Tech

He stuck with the Communist Party through Stalin's alliance with Hitler, until the Soviet premier, Nikita S. Khrushchev, divulged the extent of the evil Stalin did.

The New York Times

But all this even, is not the full extent of the evil.

Huffington Post

There are persons, too, who see not the full extent of the evil which threatens them; they solace themselves with hopes that the enemy, if he succeed, will be merciful.

Huffington Post

In understanding the extent to which recognition of evil pervades Marx's mature thought, the centrality to his analysis of the notion of "exploitation" deserves emphasis.

Journal of Chinese Studies

Once the war was over and I saw the mass graves and the true extent of Saddam's genocidal evil, my view was that Mr. Bush did not need to find any W.M.D.'s to justify the war for me.

The New York Times

Like We Need to Talk About Kevin, it is about the nature of evil, and the extent to which we can blame parents for the misdeeds of their children.

The Guardian - Books

He said little about the rest of the "axis of evil", underlining the extent to which Iraq has constrained his foreign policy even as North Korea and Iran move ever closer to having deliverable nuclear weapons.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "extent of evil", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes "evil" in that specific situation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "extent of evil" in contexts where the definition of "evil" is vague or subjective. Instead, specify the harmful actions or consequences to maintain objectivity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extent of evil" functions as a noun phrase that describes the degree or magnitude of malevolence or wrongdoing. It typically appears as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating what is being measured or assessed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extent of evil" is used to describe the degree or magnitude of malevolence in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure the definition of "evil" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "magnitude of evil" or "scope of wickedness", can offer nuanced variations. This analysis offers practical writing guidance and addresses common linguistic questions. The phrase's frequent use in authoritative sources underscores its relevance in serious discussions about harmful actions and their impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnitude of evil

Focuses on the scale or size of the evil.

degree of evil

Emphasizes the level or intensity of the evil.

scope of wickedness

Highlights the range or area affected by wickedness.

depth of depravity

Stresses the profound moral corruption involved.

scale of atrocity

Draws attention to the immense and brutal nature of the act.

severity of wrongdoing

Highlights the seriousness and gravity of the misconduct.

impact of malice

Focuses on the effects and consequences of malicious intent.

reach of iniquity

Emphasizes how far the injustice or wickedness extends.

pervasiveness of corruption

Highlights how widespread the corruption is.

dimensions of sin

Focuses on the different facets and aspects of the sin.

FAQs

How can I use "extent of evil" in a sentence?

You can use "extent of evil" to describe the degree or magnitude of harmful actions. For example, "The report revealed the full "extent of evil" perpetrated during the war".

What are some alternatives to "extent of evil"?

Alternatives include "magnitude of evil", "degree of evil", or "scope of wickedness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "extent of evil" in formal writing?

Yes, "extent of evil" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious topics like history, ethics, or philosophy. It is important to maintain a respectful and objective tone.

What's the difference between "extent of evil" and "nature of evil"?

"Extent of evil" refers to the degree or scope of harmful actions, while "nature of evil" concerns the fundamental characteristics and essence of what makes something evil. They address different aspects of the concept.