furthest extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "furthest extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the maximum limit or degree to which something can be taken or applied. Example: "We will support our community to the furthest extent possible, ensuring that no one is left behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

When we said no, she asked if it was the day after tomorrow; that was about the furthest extent of the future horizon for her.

The New Yorker

In the past Malta's islands were seen by some as the furthest extent of Italian soil, Sicily being only 90km distant.

Independent

The plan is to steam to, and possibly then into, the furthest extent of the annual sea ice which right now is about 82-84 degrees north, about 500km from the north pole.

The Guardian

Camus takes William F. Buckley, Jr.,'s injunction to stand "athwart history, yelling Stop" to the furthest extent possible, and he can be recklessly unconcerned about backing up his claims.

The New Yorker

The general link applies even to America, where the vision of the New Deal was carried to its furthest extent by the generation that actually fought in the second world war.

The Guardian

"What I miss," he goes on, "is a theatre in which the human mind and the human heart have been pushed to the furthest extent and in which they are 100% alive".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They would plough through open countryside at their furthest extents, and at the innermost were to smash through much of inner London.

The Guardian

It's an attractive time for accelerationism — the brand of Marxism which believes that the collapse of capitalism will inevitably follow from pushing the worst vagaries of the system to their furthest extents — a deterministic faith in both the worst and best case scenarios.

Vice

It involves exploiting these people to the furthest possible extent... you get them to cooperate so you get more intelligence".

BBC

Her new novel, Tampa, just released from Ecco, takes that innate ability to its furthest possible extent.

Vice

Another sudden shift occurs around 3500 4500 km, the distance from Davidson to Hawaii, and the furthest western extent of MBARI's sampling.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "furthest extent" to clearly indicate the absolute limit or maximum degree to which something can be applied or achieved. For clarity, follow it with a prepositional phrase specifying what is being extended, e.g., "to the furthest extent possible".

Common error

Avoid using "furthest extent" interchangeably with phrases like "greatest extent" or "maximum degree" when the context requires a precise indication of physical distance or a final boundary. Ensure the context is appropriate for implying the absolute limit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "furthest extent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier to specify the maximum degree or limit. Ludwig confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "furthest extent" serves to denote the absolute limit or maximum degree attainable, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and versatility make it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While alternatives like "greatest extent" or "maximum degree" exist, "furthest extent" is particularly useful when precision about reaching a final boundary is needed. Common errors involve misinterpreting it with phrases implying capacity rather than limit. Ludwig's analysis underscores its common usage and broad applicability, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost limit

Synonymous, emphasizes the highest possible boundary.

maximum reach

Focuses on the distance or scope something can attain.

outermost limit

Emphasizes the boundary that cannot be surpassed.

greatest range

Highlights the breadth or scope of something.

ultimate boundary

Implies a final and unchangeable limit.

highest degree

Focuses on the intensity or level achieved.

maximum scope

Highlights the complete area or extent covered.

fullest extension

Emphasizes the act of stretching or expanding to the maximum.

extreme limit

Highlights the severity or extremity of the boundary.

peak expansion

Focuses on the point of maximum growth or spread.

FAQs

How can I use "furthest extent" in a sentence?

You can use "furthest extent" to indicate the maximum degree or limit something can reach. For example: "We will support our community to the "furthest extent" possible."

What's a good alternative to using "furthest extent"?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives like "greatest extent", "maximum degree", or "utmost limit".

Is "furthest extent" the same as "farthest extent"?

"Furthest" implies a greater degree of advancement or progress in a metaphorical sense, while "farthest" generally refers to physical distance. "Furthest extent" is typically used in abstract contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "furthest extent" instead of "maximum capacity"?

Use ""furthest extent"" when describing the degree to which something is carried out or the limit to which something can be taken. Use "maximum capacity" when referring to the amount that something can hold or produce.