extreme ends of the spectrum

USAGE SUMMARY

'extreme ends of the spectrum' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to two opposite extremes or to refer to the way something can vary greatly in quality. For example: "The results of the study fell somewhere between the two extreme ends of the spectrum, with most of the data in the middle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

For example, combative and synergistic sales calls are at the extreme ends of the spectrum.

Harvard Business Review

Indeed, even at the very extreme ends of the spectrum both factors play some role.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It turns out that the hiring we are seeing is at the extreme ends of the spectrum.

Harvard Business Review

"I like roles that are on the extreme ends of the spectrum, and there's special appeal in exploring these slightly forgotten plays that people might think of as subjects for academic term papers instead of live theater," he said recently in an interview in his dressing room at the Ethel Barrymore Theater.

The New York Times

Over 70% of respondents are likely on the more extreme ends of the spectrum.

Forbes

Women often end up on the extreme ends of the spectrum.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Helping the investigation was the fact that the funny play - Rules for Living, at the National Theatre – and the troubling one – the Almeida's production of the Oresteia – were at the extreme ends of the spectrums of light and shade.

The Guardian

At the extreme end of the spectrum were parents with what they called highly intrusive behavior.

The Washington Post

At the extreme end of the spectrum, reports of disability hate crime are up.

Independent

The data derived would be expected to be right at the extreme end of the spectrum of possibilities".

The Guardian

Admittedly, most writers are a bit like that, but Travers is at the extreme end of the spectrum.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extreme ends of the spectrum", ensure the context clearly establishes the range or scale being referenced. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the scope of the extremes you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme ends of the spectrum" when discussing situations that don't involve a clear continuum or range of possibilities. Misusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme ends of the spectrum" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial to modify a verb or adjective. It indicates the position or range on a scale or continuum. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extreme ends of the spectrum" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize contrasting positions within a defined range or scale. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, with a neutral register suitable for formal and informal writing. To effectively use this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the continuum being referenced. Related alternatives include "opposite extremes" and "polar opposites". Be mindful of overgeneralization to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute extremes

Stresses the complete and ultimate nature of the extreme positions.

opposite extremes

Focuses on the concept of direct opposition rather than a spectrum.

polar opposites

Highlights the diametrically opposed nature of the elements being considered.

opposite poles

Uses the analogy of magnetic poles to convey the idea of opposition.

complete contrast

Emphasizes the idea of a stark difference, rather than a spectrum.

outer limits

Similar to furthest boundaries, but with a stronger connotation of reaching a maximum extent.

furthest boundaries

Emphasizes the idea of limits or borders, not necessarily opposition.

widest divergence

Highlights the concept of maximum difference or deviation.

terminal points

Focuses on the endpoints or limits of a range or sequence.

maximum variation

Focuses on the extent of change or difference within a set of possibilities.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "extreme ends of the spectrum" in a sentence?

Use "extreme ends of the spectrum" to describe situations with a clear range or continuum, highlighting the contrast between the furthest possible positions. For example: "Opinions on the new policy ranged from one "extreme end" to the other".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "extreme ends of the spectrum"?

Alternatives include "opposite extremes", "polar opposites", or "outer limits", each emphasizing different aspects of the concept of contrasting positions.

Is it appropriate to use "extreme ends of the spectrum" in formal writing?

Yes, "extreme ends of the spectrum" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic and professional contexts, as it clearly and concisely conveys the idea of contrasting positions within a defined range.

What's the difference between "extreme ends of the spectrum" and "extreme end of the spectrum"?

"Extreme ends of the spectrum" refers to both the highest and lowest points on a range, while "extreme end of the spectrum" typically refers to a single, specific extreme position.