extremities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremities" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the limbs of the body, such as arms and legs, or to describe the outermost parts of something. Example: "After the long hike, I felt a tingling sensation in my extremities, indicating that I needed to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The CIA in the first half of 2003 interrogated four detainees described as having "medical complications in their lower extremities": two had a broken foot, one had a sprained ankle and one a prosthetic leg.

The Guardian

I have most bases, and all extremities, more than covered.

The Guardian

It is a play of extremities, of beauty and pain, suffering and joy, and I love that.

The Guardian

The torture report reveals that four detainees, each with "medical complications in their lower extremities", including two with broken feet, were placed in shackled standing positions for "extended periods of time" to induce sleep deprivation.

The Guardian

The exception to this is extremities – your head, feet and hands generally feel colder the longer you ride.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In another case a 78-year-old man who was himself a doctor had had muscle pains in his face, upper body and extremities for decades.

The Economist

Measured along the coastline, the extremities of this distribution are 6,000km apart.In this section Animal doctors No argie-bargie Kalashnikovs and coolboxes ReprintsAnts from different nests were then paired off to see if they would tolerate each other, or fight.

The Economist

Sam North is that writer.In his sixth novel, "The Unnumbered", Mr North travels to parts of London some of us never reach, wasteland gypsy caravans, warm subway tunnels, the mossy extremities of St Pancras cemetery and the cardboard sleeperies of the underpass at Centre Point in the West End.

The Economist

And in Tokyo, despite the capital's high business costs, 1.6 jobs exist for every applicant.Go to the extremities of Japan's long island chain, however, and the picture is less bright.

The Economist

Another common objection from traditionalists is that seats at the plane's extremities would soar and dip too much as the pilot turns and banks.

The Economist

"It will be an easier task for them than it was for us," Mr Tata admits.Competitors will, for example, notice how Tata shrank the car into what its chairman calls a "concise package", with the powertrain at the back and the wheels at the "extremities".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions affecting limbs, use "extremities" for a precise and formal tone. In general writing, "limbs" may be more accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "extremities" in casual conversation; opt for simpler terms like "hands", "feet", or "limbs" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "extremities" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to the limbs or the outermost parts of something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "extremities" functions as a plural noun denoting the limbs or outermost regions of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found across various domains. While "extremities" appears frequently in encyclopedias, news, and scientific contexts, it's less prevalent in informal settings. For alternatives, "limbs" or "outermost parts" can be employed depending on the context. While the term is widely used and accepted, Ludwig highlights the importance of adapting vocabulary to suit the intended audience and purpose of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limbs

Refers specifically to arms and legs.

appendages

A more formal and technical term for limbs or other projecting parts.

outermost parts

Describes the parts farthest from the center, generally applicable to objects.

peripheral regions

Indicates areas situated on the edge or periphery of something.

distal segments

A biological term indicating parts of the body located away from the center.

farthest reaches

Emphasizes the distance and extent to which something stretches.

terminal points

Refers to the very ends or endpoints of something.

outer edges

Focuses on the boundary or rim of a surface or object.

ends

A simple and general term for the concluding parts.

boundaries

Highlights the limits or borders of a defined area.

FAQs

How can I use "extremities" in a sentence?

"Extremities" typically refers to the limbs of the body, such as arms and legs. Example: "The cold weather caused numbness in my extremities."

What's a simpler alternative to "extremities"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "limbs", "ends", or "outermost parts".

Is it correct to use "extremities" to describe the ends of an object?

Yes, "extremities" can refer to the outer ends or boundaries of objects, though it's more commonly used for body parts. For example, "the extremities of the mountain range".

What is the difference between "extremities" and "appendages"?

"Extremities" generally refers to limbs (arms and legs), while "appendages" is a broader term that includes any projecting part of a body or object, such as tails, fins, or antennae.