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Prepositions after adjectives

Extreme in or extreme to?

Extreme in is a standard pattern when describing strong qualities or behaviour in an area. Extreme to is usually not used as a direct adjective pattern, although to may appear in separate structures.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct after extreme?

Use extreme in to describe strong behaviour, opinions, or qualities within an area. Extreme to is generally not an idiomatic combination after the adjective. However, to can appear separately in phrases such as extreme to some people, where to introduces a viewpoint.

They were extreme in their criticism.
The group became extreme in its demands.
The design looked extreme to some viewers.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
extreme in + quality or behaviour

Describing intensity in an area

Use extreme in to talk about very strong behaviour, attitudes, or conditions.

She became extreme in her political views.
The climate is extreme in winter.
2
extreme for + situation

Showing something is unusually strong

Use extreme for when comparing with a normal standard or situation.

The punishment was extreme for a minor mistake.
That reaction seems extreme for the circumstances.
3
extreme to + person

Expressing someone's perspective

To can follow extreme when it introduces the person who sees something as extreme. In this use, to is not selected by the adjective itself.

The proposal sounded extreme to many voters.
His methods appeared extreme to outsiders.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
extreme in
They are extreme in their opinions.
having very strong qualities or views in a particular area
extreme to
The decision seemed extreme to me.
to introduces the person reacting; it is not a fixed adjective-preposition pattern
extreme with
The teacher was extreme with the students.
possible but less common; describes behaviour toward people
extreme on
She is extreme on environmental issues.
used for strong positions on a topic

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using extreme to as the main pattern

Do not use to directly after extreme to describe an area or topic.

✕ They are extreme to politics. ✓ They are extreme in their political views.

Confusing viewpoint expressions with adjective patterns

In phrases like extreme to me, to introduces the person reacting.

✕ The climate is extreme to winter. ✓ The climate is extreme in winter.

Missing the noun after in

Extreme in usually needs a quality, behaviour, or context after it.

✕ She is extreme in. ✓ She is extreme in her reactions.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company became extreme ___ its cost-cutting policies.
2. The new rule seemed extreme ___ many employees.
3. The response was extreme ___ such a small problem.

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Frequently asked questions

Is extreme to correct English?

Not usually as a fixed adjective-preposition combination. It is mainly used when to introduces a person or group reacting to something.

Can I say extreme in behaviour?

Yes. Extreme in behaviour or extreme in his views are standard uses.

What is the difference between extreme in and extreme on?

Extreme in describes intensity within an area, while extreme on is often used for opinions or positions on a topic.

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