in extremis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in extremis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is extreme, critical, or at the point of death. Example: "The patient was in extremis, requiring immediate medical intervention to save their life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some people, in extremis, act irrationally.

The New Yorker

Use them only in extremis.

The Guardian

Konchesky heads clear in extremis.

The Guardian - Sport

It is the modern city in extremis.

The New Yorker

In extremis, we may amend.

The New York Times

How do you train in extremis negotiators?

Harvard Business Review

And it is all there in extremis".

The New York Times

In extremis, it might mean military intervention.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have to put them in extremis first.

The New Yorker

These photographers were drawn to pariah monuments, landscapes in extremis.

The New York Times - Arts

And in extremis Lowry too called on a higher power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in extremis" to add a touch of formality and gravity to your writing when describing a situation at its most critical or desperate point.

Common error

Avoid using "in extremis" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its Latin origin lends it a formal tone that may seem out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in extremis" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the circumstances under which an action occurs, specifically when that situation is critical, urgent, or at the point of death. This is supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverbial phrase "in extremis" is used to describe situations that are critical or at the point of death. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, mainly in formal settings. Its Latin origin contributes to its formality, making it suitable for news, business, and academic writing. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "in dire straits" or "at the point of death" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the point of death

This phrase specifically refers to the condition of being very close to dying, focusing on the physical state.

in dire straits

This alternative highlights the severity and urgency of a difficult situation, emphasizing the distress involved.

in desperate circumstances

This phrase underscores the lack of viable options and the urgency to find a solution to a serious problem.

at death's door

Similar to "at the point of death", this idiom paints a vivid picture of being close to dying.

on one's last legs

This phrase describes something or someone near the end of its functional life or endurance.

in a critical condition

Focuses on the medical severity and urgency of a patient's state.

at the eleventh hour

This idiom refers to something happening just before it's too late, highlighting the narrow escape.

when push comes to shove

Implies a moment of crisis that forces decisive action.

as a last resort

Highlights that an action is only taken when all other options have failed.

under the worst conditions

This phrase underscores the severity and adversity of a particular situation.

FAQs

How do I use "in extremis" in a sentence?

Use "in extremis" to describe situations that are critical or at the point of death. For example, "The patient was treated "in extremis" to prevent further complications."

What can I say instead of "in extremis"?

You can use alternatives like "in dire straits", "at the point of death", or "in desperate circumstances" depending on the context.

Is "in extremis" formal or informal?

"In extremis" is generally considered a formal phrase due to its Latin origin and is best suited for serious or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "in extremis" and "as a last resort"?

"In extremis" describes a situation at its most critical point, while "as a last resort" indicates an action taken when all other options have failed. "In extremis" refers to the state, and "as a last resort" refers to the action taken because of the state.