extreme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very intense, severe, or far beyond the usual limits. Example: "The extreme weather conditions forced the event to be canceled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they are ruling out these extreme cuts for the most disabled and carers, then it is clear they will be hitting the tax credits, and support for children, for millions of working families".

The Guardian

"The state of Georgia remains an extreme outlier in requiring that defendants prove they have mental retardation 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

The Guardian

Potter was one of the most recognisable figures in extreme sports.

The Guardian

Yet, far from expressing wonder that an act as extreme and barbaric as the murders is what it takes for the west to show defiance towards a religious duty that is not meaningful to non-Muslims, cultural provocateurs successfully argue that this highly exceptional situation is in fact indicative of a general contempt for Islam.

The Guardian - Opinion

They all talked with awed tones, as if they have been through an extreme experience.

The Guardian

But Cash stands at the extreme end of conservatism and does not represent the majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the main hubs of activity, which is not to use that in any extreme sense, is around the jetty.

The Guardian - Travel

Rising temperatures leading to greater water scarcity, sea level rises and extreme weather events may exacerbate tensions over natural resources and cause large numbers of people to become "climate refugees" as they migrate across borders.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Tuesday, Laura McNamee, a fellow Alliance party member councillor said she had been forced to leave her home in east Belfast due to threats from extreme loyalists over the city hall flag vote.

The Guardian

There is no statute of limitations for such extreme violence.

The Guardian

The channel launched with a lineup that included London Go at 6.30pm followed by Not The One Show, a reference to BBC1's The One Show, at 7pm, as well as shows such as Extreme Playgrounds in which "urban sports stars... showcase their skills on the streets of the capital".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extreme", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intensity or severity you intend to convey. Alternatives like "intense" or "severe" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to express.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme" when a milder adjective would suffice. Overusing "extreme" can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Instead, opt for more precise words that accurately capture the situation's intensity.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "extreme" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating a condition, quality, or degree that is far beyond the norm or average. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "extreme" is a versatile term used to denote something far beyond the norm, marked by intensity, severity, or remoteness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed, especially in news and media. While "extreme" is generally neutral, its impact is maximized when used judiciously, avoiding overuse. Consider alternatives like "intense", "severe", or "drastic" to maintain precision and avoid exaggeration. Proper usage involves understanding the context and choosing the most appropriate adjective to convey the intended degree of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense

Focuses on the high degree of a quality or feeling, implying strong emotional or physical impact.

severe

Emphasizes the harshness or strictness of a situation, condition, or treatment.

drastic

Highlights the severity and suddenness of an action or change, often with significant consequences.

excessive

Indicates that something goes beyond what is considered normal, reasonable, or acceptable.

acute

Describes a condition or situation that is sharply critical or intense, often implying urgency.

utmost

Stresses the highest possible degree or amount of something, such as effort or importance.

radical

Implies a fundamental or dramatic change from traditional norms or practices.

ultimate

Denotes the final or most important point, degree, or stage of something.

farthest

Emphasizes the greatest distance from a particular point, either physically or metaphorically.

outermost

Indicates the position furthest from the center or inside.

FAQs

How can I use "extreme" in a sentence?

The word "extreme" can be used to describe conditions, behaviors, or opinions that are far from moderate or average. For example, "The hikers faced "extreme weather" conditions at the mountain summit" or "His views on politics are "extreme right"".

What are some alternatives to the word "extreme"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intense", "severe", "drastic", or "excessive".

Is it correct to say "extremely extreme"?

While grammatically valid, saying "extremely extreme" can be redundant. Consider using a stronger single adjective or rephrasing to emphasize the intensity. For example, use "incredibly intense" or "highly drastic" instead.

What is the difference between "extreme" and "radical"?

"Extreme" generally refers to something that is far from moderate, while "radical" implies a fundamental change from traditional norms or practices. While they can sometimes overlap, "radical" often has a connotation of altering established systems or beliefs, whereas "extreme" focuses on the degree or intensity.