to the maximum extent

USAGE SUMMARY

'to the maximum extent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the greatest possible degree or amount of something. For example, "The government should seek to reduce unemployment to the maximum extent possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Engineering should accommodate that need to the maximum extent possible.

Engineering Documentation Control Handbook Configuration Management in Industry

We will continue to explore and exhaust all on-campus efficiency and reduction projects to the maximum extent possible.

Harvard University

When using simplified acquisition procedures, the head of an executive agency shall promote competition to the maximum extent practicable.

Cornell University

The Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall provide Federal assistance under this subsection in a single grant.

Cornell University

The Secretary of Defense shall make the report submitted under subsection (c) publicly available to the maximum extent practicable.

Cornell University

Ensuring that, to the maximum extent practicable, detainees and detention facility personnel of a different gender are not alone together.

Cornell University

"My goal is to produce a report that's 100percentt error-free, to the maximum extent possible," he said.

The Washington Post

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to the maximum extent" to clearly convey that something should be done as much as possible within given constraints or limitations. It is especially useful in legal, technical, or formal contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "to the maximum extent" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives like "as much as possible" or "fully" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the maximum extent" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which an action or state should be carried out. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase emphasizes the greatest possible degree within given limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

36%

News & Media

44%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to the maximum extent" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to emphasize the degree to which something should be done. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various domains, notably in academia, news media, and scientific writing. While it effectively conveys the importance of maximizing an effort, it is best reserved for formal contexts to avoid sounding stilted in casual communication. Consider alternatives like "as much as possible" in less formal situations. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's reliability and widespread recognition in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the greatest degree

Replaces "maximum extent" with "greatest degree", focusing on the intensity of the action.

to the fullest possible measure

Emphasizes the completeness and possibility of the action being performed.

as much as possible

Simplifies the phrase, making it more direct and less formal.

to the utmost limit

Highlights the boundary or restriction being approached.

to the highest possible level

Focuses on achieving the peak or top tier of something.

as far as possible

Indicates the range or scope of what can be achieved.

to the greatest possible amount

Emphasizes the quantity or volume that can be attained.

to the ultimate degree

Implies a final or conclusive level of action.

to its absolute limit

Stresses the finality and unyielding nature of the boundary.

as fully as can be

Focuses on the completeness of the action, implying thoroughness.

FAQs

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

You can use "to the maximum extent" to indicate that something should be done as much as possible, for example, "The company will leverage its resources "to the maximum extent" to achieve its goals."

What are some alternatives to "to the maximum extent"?

Some alternatives include "as much as possible", "to the greatest degree", or "to the fullest extent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "to the maximum extent"?

It's appropriate to use "to the maximum extent" in formal writing, legal documents, or technical specifications where precision and clarity are important. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are often preferable.

Is there a difference between "to the maximum extent possible" and "to the maximum extent practicable"?

While similar, "possible" refers to what is achievable, whereas "practicable" refers to what is both achievable and reasonable or feasible in a given situation. "Practicable" often implies consideration of factors like cost, time, and resources.