Extremally vs Extremely: Deciding Between Similar Terms

Are you confused about when to use “extremally” vs “extremely”? Look no further! In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two words and provide you with the proper usage for each.

It’s important to note that “extremally” is not a commonly used word in the English language. In fact, it’s considered archaic and is rarely seen in modern writing. On the other hand, “extremely” is a commonly used adverb that means to a great degree or extent.

So, which one should you use? In almost all cases, “extremely” is the proper word to use. “Extremally” is only appropriate in very specific contexts, such as when discussing the extreme ends of a spectrum or the outermost limits of something.

With that being said, let’s dive deeper into the definitions of each word. “Extremely” is an adverb that is used to modify adjectives or other adverbs. It emphasizes the degree or intensity of the word it’s modifying. For example, “The weather is extremely hot today.”

“Extremally,” on the other hand, is an adverb that means “in an extreme manner.” As mentioned earlier, it’s not commonly used in modern writing and is considered archaic. An example of its usage would be, “The temperature dropped extremally overnight.”

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between “extremally” vs “extremely,” you can use them correctly in your writing. Remember, in almost all cases, “extremely” is the proper word to use. Don’t let the archaic nature of “extremally” fool you into using it incorrectly.

Define Extremally

Extremally is an adverb that is used to describe something that is done in an extreme or excessive manner. It is often used to emphasize the degree of intensity or severity of an action or situation.

For example, “She was extremally tired after running a marathon” indicates that the level of exhaustion was beyond normal fatigue.

Define Extremely

Extremely is also an adverb that means to a great degree or extent. It is used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or adverb and is often used to express emphasis, exaggeration, or hyperbole.

For instance, “The weather was extremely hot” indicates that the temperature was significantly above the norm.

Extremely is a commonly used word in everyday language, and it is often used to add emphasis to a statement or description.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make a big difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “extremally” and “extremely” in a sentence.

How To Use “Extremally” In A Sentence

“Extremally” is not a commonly used word in the English language, and it is often confused with “extremely.” However, “extremally” is a valid word that means “in an extreme or excessive manner.” Here are some examples of how to use “extremally” in a sentence:

• The athlete pushed himself extremally hard during the competition.
• The company’s profits have been growing extremally fast in recent years.
• The storm caused extremally high tides along the coast.

It is important to note that “extremally” should only be used when you want to emphasize the extreme or excessive nature of something. In most cases, “extremely” will be the more appropriate word to use.

How To Use “Extremely” In A Sentence

“Extremely” is a much more commonly used word in the English language, and it is often used to indicate a high degree or intensity of something. Here are some examples of how to use “extremely” in a sentence:

• The weather today is extremely hot.
• She was extremely happy when she received the news.
• The movie was extremely well-received by critics.

“Extremely” can be used in a wide variety of contexts, and it is a versatile word that can help you express the intensity of a situation or emotion. However, it is important to use “extremely” appropriately and not overuse it, as this can make your writing seem repetitive or exaggerated.

More Examples Of Extremally & Extremely Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “extremally” and “extremely” in sentences. By seeing these words in context, you will gain a better understanding of their meanings and how they can be used in different situations.

Examples Of Using Extremally In A Sentence

• She was extremally nervous before her big presentation.
• The weather was extremally hot and humid.
• He was extremally talented at playing the piano.
• The prices at the store were extremally high.
• The company’s profits were extremally low this quarter.
• Her outfit was extremally stylish and trendy.
• The traffic on the highway was extremally congested.
• The noise from the construction site was extremally loud.
• The food at the restaurant was extremally delicious.
• The movie we watched was extremally boring.

As you can see, “extremally” is used to describe the degree or intensity of something. It is often used to emphasize how extreme or intense a situation or feeling is.

Examples Of Using Extremely In A Sentence

• The weather was extremely cold and windy.
• She was extremely happy when she got the job offer.
• He was extremely tired after working a 12-hour shift.
• The traffic was extremely heavy during rush hour.
• The restaurant was extremely busy on Saturday night.
• The hike up the mountain was extremely difficult.
• The concert was extremely loud and energetic.
• The book she was reading was extremely boring.
• The car he bought was extremely expensive.
• The movie we watched was extremely suspenseful.

“Extremely” is also used to describe the degree or intensity of something. However, it is a more commonly used word than “extremally” and can be used in a wider range of contexts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

It’s common for people to mix up words that sound similar or have similar spellings. One such pair of words that people often interchange is “extremally” and “extremely.” However, these two words have different meanings, and using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them in the future.

Using “Extremally” Instead Of “Extremely”

“Extremally” is not a word in the English language, and using it in place of “extremely” is incorrect. If you want to emphasize the degree or intensity of something, you should use “extremely,” not “extremally.” For example:

• Incorrect: The weather is extremally hot today.
• Correct: The weather is extremely hot today.

Using “extremally” instead of “extremely” can make your writing sound unprofessional and may confuse your readers. To avoid this mistake, make sure to double-check your writing for spelling and grammar errors.

Using “Extremely” To Mean “Very”

Another common mistake people make is using “extremely” to mean “very.” While both words convey a high degree or intensity, “extremely” implies a greater degree of intensity than “very.” For example:

• Incorrect: The food at the restaurant was extremely good.
• Correct: The food at the restaurant was very good.

Using “extremely” in place of “very” can make your writing sound hyperbolic or exaggerated. To avoid this mistake, consider using other adverbs that convey a similar degree of intensity, such as “quite,” “remarkably,” or “exceptionally.”

Using “Extremely” With Negative Adjectives

Finally, using “extremely” with negative adjectives can create confusion or ambiguity. For example:

• Incorrect: The movie was extremely boring and uneventful.
• Correct: The movie was very boring and uneventful.

When using negative adjectives, it’s better to use “very” instead of “extremely” to avoid overemphasizing the negativity of the situation. Alternatively, you can use other adverbs such as “quite” or “rather” to convey a similar degree of negativity without sounding overly dramatic.

To avoid these common mistakes, make sure to proofread your writing carefully and use a dictionary or thesaurus to check for correct spelling and word usage.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “extremally” and “extremely,” context is key. Depending on the situation and the intended meaning, one word may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “extremally” and “extremely” might change:

Context	Appropriate Word Choice
Formal Writing	“Extremely” is the safer choice in formal writing. It is a more commonly used word and is less likely to be seen as incorrect or overly informal.
Informal Writing	“Extremally” may be used in informal writing or in creative writing to add a unique flare to the language. However, it should be used sparingly and only when the intended meaning is clear.
Scientific Writing	“Extremely” is generally the preferred choice in scientific writing. It is a more precise and concise word that is commonly used in technical writing.
Regional Differences	The choice between “extremally” and “extremely” may also depend on regional differences in the English language. For example, “extremally” may be more commonly used in British English than in American English.

Ultimately, the choice between “extremally” and “extremely” depends on the intended meaning and the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the audience and the purpose of the writing when making this decision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using extremally and extremely are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Emphasis

While it is generally recommended to use extremely for emphasis, there may be cases where extremally can be used instead. This is particularly true in informal language or in creative writing, where writers may choose to use less common adverbs for stylistic purposes.

Example: “I am extremally grateful for your help” (used for emphasis in a creative writing piece)

2. Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in the use of extremally and extremely. For example, in some parts of the United Kingdom, extremally is used more frequently than extremely.

Example: “The weather is extremally cold today” (more commonly used in certain parts of the UK)

3. Technical Language

In technical language, extremally may be used to describe something that is located at the outermost point or limit of a particular range or spectrum.

Example: “The extremally high temperatures in the reactor caused a meltdown” (used in a technical report about nuclear reactors)

4. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions that use extremally instead of extremely. These expressions are often used colloquially and may not follow standard grammatical rules.

Idiomatic Expression	Meaning
Extremally lucky	Very lucky
Extremally tired	Very tired
Extremally hungry	Very hungry

Overall, while the rules for using extremally and extremely are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. By understanding these exceptions, writers can use these adverbs more effectively and creatively in their writing.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of extremally and extremely is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1

Fill in the blank with either extremally or extremely:

The weather was __________ hot today, I had to stay indoors all day.

Answer: extremely

Explanation: Extremely is the correct choice here because it means “to a very great degree”.

Exercise 2

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

The hike up the mountain was __________ difficult, but the view from the top was worth it.

• extremely
• extremally

Answer: extremely

Explanation: Extremely is the correct choice here because it means “to a very great degree”. Extremally is not a word.

Exercise 3

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

The new restaurant in town is __________ popular, it’s hard to get a reservation.

• extremely
• extremally

Answer: extremely

Explanation: Extremely is the correct choice here because it means “to a very great degree”. Extremally is not a word.

Exercise 4

Fill in the blank with either extremally or extremely:

I was __________ happy to receive the award, it was a great honor.

Answer: extremely

Explanation: Extremely is the correct choice here because it means “to a very great degree”.

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of extremally and extremely in your writing and speaking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of language is crucial in conveying accurate information and avoiding misunderstandings. The difference between “extremally” and “extremely” may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the clarity of a sentence. The former is not a valid word, and using it can make the writer appear uneducated or careless.

It is essential to remember that language is constantly evolving, and grammar rules can change over time. However, it is still important to adhere to standard grammar rules to ensure effective communication.

Key Takeaways

• Using proper grammar and language is crucial in effective communication.
• “Extremally” is not a valid word, and using it can make the writer appear uneducated or careless.
• Language is constantly evolving, but it is still important to adhere to standard grammar rules.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes.