Within reasonable limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Within reasonable limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is acceptable or permissible as long as it does not exceed certain boundaries or constraints. Example: "We can accommodate your requests within reasonable limits, but we cannot go beyond our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Within reasonable limits that is in itself neither improper nor unethical: indeed, it is virtually unavoidable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Within reasonable limits, we shall be leaving troops in the mountains, in the plateau and in the villages," he said.

The New York Times

Push yourself within reasonable limits.

The New York Times

They are kept within reasonable limits.

The Guardian - Books

Gun control is being kept within reasonable limits.

The New Yorker

THE PRESIDENT: Well, will you try to present the summary within reasonable limits?

Yale University

Computations show that the temperature can be kept within reasonable limits in both three-phase reactors.

Chemical Engineering Science

But foreign legal experts counter that within reasonable limits, the judicial process should not be arbitrarily limited.

The New York Times

But within reasonable limits, challenging recipes do have their place, even if some readers skip right over them.

The New York Times

'to shape its course within reasonable limits by its own conception of the promptings of policy and fairness.

Cornell University

This is performed within reasonable limits of data reliability, sampling error, and in disconnection from theoretical postulates.

Investigaciones Geográficas, Boletín del Instituto de Geografía

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Within reasonable limits", clearly define what constitutes 'reasonable' in your specific context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "Within reasonable limits" without specifying what those limits are. This can lead to misunderstandings and disputes. Instead, provide specific criteria or examples to clarify what is considered reasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Within reasonable limits" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or conditions under which an action is permissible or acceptable. Ludwig examples show it qualifies various actions across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Within reasonable limits" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is acceptable or permissible, provided it stays within certain boundaries. As Ludwig AI also confirms, its use spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. To ensure clarity, it's best to define what constitutes 'reasonable' in the specific context. While generally neutral to formal in tone, explicit limits are especially beneficial in professional or academic settings. Related phrases like ""within acceptable bounds"" and ""to a reasonable extent"" offer similar meanings. Finally, remember to avoid ambiguity by specifying the criteria that define what is reasonable in your specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Within acceptable bounds

Emphasizes the idea of staying inside a defined range of acceptability.

Within sensible constraints

Highlights the use of good judgment to stay within specific limitations.

To a reasonable extent

Focuses on the degree to which something is permissible or possible.

Within certain parameters

Highlights the limitations based on specific, measurable factors.

Subject to limitations

Directly acknowledges the presence of restrictions or constraints.

Up to a point

Indicates a limit beyond which something is no longer valid or acceptable.

To a limited degree

Stresses that something is only possible or acceptable in a restricted way.

With some restrictions

Explicitly mentions the existence of limitations on what is allowed.

Under specific conditions

Highlights that certain requirements must be met.

Provisionally

Implies that something is accepted or allowed for now, but may be subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "Within reasonable limits" in a sentence?

You can use "Within reasonable limits" to indicate that something is acceptable or permissible as long as it doesn't exceed certain boundaries. For example, "We can accommodate your requests "within reasonable limits", but we cannot go beyond our budget."

What phrases are similar to "Within reasonable limits"?

Similar phrases include "within acceptable bounds", "to a reasonable extent", or "subject to limitations".

Is it better to specify the limits rather than using "Within reasonable limits"?

Specifying the limits provides clarity and reduces ambiguity. Using "Within reasonable limits" is acceptable when the context makes the limits clear, but it's often better to be explicit. For example, instead of saying "We offer support "within reasonable limits"", you could say "We offer support for up to 24 hours."

What does it mean when something is said to be "Within reasonable limits"?

It means that something is acceptable or allowed only if it stays within certain constraints or boundaries. These constraints are typically implied or understood in the context but can also be explicitly stated. For example, "Employees are allowed to use company resources for personal tasks "within reasonable limits"."