the largest possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the largest possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the maximum extent or size of something in a specific context. Example: "We need to ensure that we allocate the largest possible budget for this project to cover all expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the largest possible canvas," he said.

The New York Times

No, the indispensable thing is shamelessness: the spectacle of the largest possible talents daring to commandeer the attention of the largest possible public in the largest possible way.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's connected in the largest possible way to defeating Daesh.

The Guardian - Film

Collectively, insurers are the largest possible source of settlement funds.

The Economist

"We are not seeking to build the largest possible project," Mr. Burns said.

The New York Times

"Obviously," Mr. Wertheimer said, "people are trying to build the largest possible war chests they can".

The New York Times

"I always have thought in terms of the largest possible audience," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Traditionally, chemical suppliers focus on selling their products in the largest possible quantities.

The Guardian

They want the largest possible participation," Shikaki told me in an interview, in Ramallah.

The New Yorker

He presents topnotch artists at reasonable prices to the largest possible audiences.

The New Yorker

For optimum viewing, "Don Quixote" should be seen on the largest possible screen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, follow "the largest possible" with a specific unit or measurement. For example, "the largest possible dose" is more precise than just "the largest possible".

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "the largest possible" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "biggest" or "greatest" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the largest possible" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the greatest extent or size achievable or imaginable. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the largest possible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that signifies the maximum size, extent, or degree. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While perfectly acceptable in formal settings, it may sound somewhat stilted in very informal situations, where simpler alternatives might be preferred. When using the phrase, strive for precision by specifying the unit or aspect being maximized. Alternatives such as "the greatest achievable" or "the maximum attainable" can be considered to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the greatest conceivable

Replaces "possible" with "conceivable", focusing on what can be imagined or thought of as the maximum.

the maximum achievable

Substitutes "largest" and "possible" with "maximum achievable", highlighting the upper limit that can be reached.

the utmost attainable

Changes "largest" to "utmost" and "possible" to "attainable", stressing the highest degree that can be reached.

the biggest potential

Uses "biggest" instead of "largest" and "potential" instead of "possible", focusing on the maximum future possibility.

the most expansive

Replaces the whole phrase with the adjective phrase "the most expansive", suggesting the greatest coverage or scope.

the fullest extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or scope by using "the fullest extent" instead.

the widest scope

Focuses on the breadth or range, replacing the original phrase with "the widest scope".

the highest magnitude

Emphasizes the intensity or size using "the highest magnitude" instead of the original phrase.

the peak capacity

Highlights the maximum amount that can be held or produced, replacing the initial phrase with "the peak capacity".

the supreme limit

Focuses on the ultimate boundary or threshold using "the supreme limit".

FAQs

How can I use "the largest possible" in a sentence?

You can use "the largest possible" to describe the maximum size, extent, or degree of something. For example, "We aim to reach "the largest possible audience" with our new campaign".

What are some alternatives to saying "the largest possible"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the greatest achievable", "the maximum attainable", or "the biggest potential".

Is it better to say "the largest possible" or "the maximum possible"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "The largest possible" might sound slightly more formal than "the maximum possible".

What is the difference between "the largest possible" and "the largest feasible"?

"The largest possible" refers to the absolute maximum, whereas "the largest feasible" refers to the maximum that is practical or achievable given certain constraints or conditions.