Word Choice: Extent vs. Extend

In our ‘Word Choice’ posts, we typically focus on homophones (i.e. words that sound similar but have different uses). But today, we’re looking at two connected words that are sometimes confused: ‘extent’ and ‘extend’.

Both are related to the idea of length or scope, but one is a noun and the other is a verb. It’s important to understand this difference when writing, as doing so will ensure clarity.

Extent (Size or Degree of Something)

‘Extent’ is a noun that describes the length or degree of something. When referring to something physical, ‘extent’ describes its size or dimensions:

The extent of the runway made it suitable for international flights.

But it can also be used to describe the scope of something:

The extent of global warming should not be underestimated.

As well as the degree to which something is believed or true:

They all agreed to some extent.

To a large extent, the party was a disaster.

In these last examples, ‘extent’ shows that something is partially, but not entirely, the case.

Extend (Stretch Out or Enlarge)

‘Extend’ is a verb that means stretching something to full length. This can be physical:

He extended his hand to grab her before she slipped.

Or non-physical, such as enlarging the scope of something:

My manager extended operations to several new regions.

It can also apply to increasing the duration of something:

The coach wanted to extend his contract by three years.

Or offering an invitation:

For all you’ve done, I’d like to extend an invitation to the awards ceremony.

In the last example, it may be helpful to imagine literally holding out the invite in your hand.

Extent or Extend?

Although they’re similar in meaning and spelling, knowing which of these words to use is simple if you remember that ‘extent’ is a noun and ‘extend’ is a verb:

Extent (noun) = The length or degree of something

Extend (verb) = To stretch out, enlarge, increase or offer something