maximum extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maximum extent" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the greatest degree or amount that something can reach or has reached. Example: "The government has pushed tax rates to their maximum extent in an effort to increase revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It reaches its maximum extent in the teen-age brain; then it starts to shrink.

The New Yorker

The polar ice pack was thinner, and its maximum extent was the smallest ever measured.

The New Yorker

Chief among those values is tolerance, which we want to stretch to its maximum extent.

The New Yorker

At its maximum extent in February, the northern ozone hole reached southward into Russia and Mongolia.

The New York Times - Science

But he said that the program must be well designed and "sufficiently large" to protect taxpayers "to the maximum extent possible".

The New York Times

Among other things, the guidelines instructed drone supervisors to avoid civilian casualties "to the maximum extent possible," according to a former senior intelligence official.

The New Yorker

"Congress and the judicial branch say, 'Let's protect our guys to the maximum extent possible,' " while the executive branch is "saying the opposite".

The New York Times

Commissioner Weinshall said the city would like to see Dey Street "reintegrated to the maximum extent it can be," depending on the layout of the permanent PATH terminal.

The New York Times

But prosecutors charged him to the maximum extent possible, and Clausen, under the guidelines, was socked with a mandatory sentence of two hundred and thirteen years without parole.

The New Yorker

"If you look at the 8 July image that might be the maximum extent of warming you would see in the summer," Zwally noted.

The Guardian

He is now working on finishing her short stories – "I want the soul and sensibility to be Eva's to the maximum extent possible.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maximum extent" to clearly indicate the greatest possible degree, limit, or range something can achieve. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "maximum extent" can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as much as possible" or "the most" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maximum extent" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to express the degree or limit to which something is done or achieved. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maximum extent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the greatest possible degree or limit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a versatile phrase employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While its formality makes it suitable for precise and professional communication, remember to consider more casual alternatives in informal settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "maximum extent" into your writing to convey a sense of completeness and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maximum reach

Refers to how far something can extend or influence.

ultimate limit

Emphasizes the boundary or restriction that cannot be surpassed.

largest possible scope

Emphasizes the breadth or scope of something at its maximum.

outermost limit

Highlights the boundary or edge of the extent.

greatest possible range

Focuses on the range aspect of the maximum.

widest scope

Highlights the inclusive nature of the extent.

fullest possible measure

Highlights the degree or quantity being at its peak.

peak magnitude

Similar to "maximum extent" but is mostly used in context of quantity or size.

supreme degree

Focuses on the degree or intensity being the highest possible.

greatest amplitude

Implies the highest point or degree of fluctuation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "maximum extent" is used to describe the greatest possible degree, amount, or scope. For example, "The company utilized its resources to the "maximum extent" to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to using "maximum extent"?

You can use alternatives like "greatest possible range", "largest possible scope", or "fullest possible measure", depending on the context.

Is "maximum extent" formal or informal?

"Maximum extent" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "as much as possible" or "the most" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "maximum extent" in writing?

Use "maximum extent" when you want to emphasize the complete or fullest degree something can reach, particularly in legal, scientific, or formal business contexts.