a lower limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lower limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the minimum threshold or boundary of a particular measurement, value, or condition. Example: "The study established a lower limit for the acceptable temperature range in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The public is ready for a lower limit".

The Guardian

The international experience, though, might support a lower limit.

The New York Times

In particular, you can specify a lower limit without specifying an upper limit (and vice versa).

Columbia University

This must be viewed as a lower limit until our search of parameter space is complete.

Harvard University

A lower limit of 50 microgauss for the magnetic field near the Galactic Centre.

Nature

Similarly, the cost of shipping gold from Britain to the United States set a lower limit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A lower limit R > 0.955 at the 95% confidence level is obtained after requiring R <= 1, and a lower limit on the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V-tb| > 0.975 is set at 95% confidence level.

Princeton University

While the results don't give a complete answer as to the thickness, they do set a lower limit.

The New York Times - Science

In the context of a little Higgs model, a lower limit on the W' mass of 1.4 TeV is set.

Princeton University

But that's not an estimate; that's a lower limit.

Forbes

a Lower limit of maximum tensile and compressive strains.

Petroleum Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lower limit", ensure it is accompanied by a clear indication of what the limit applies to and its significance in the context. For example, "A lower limit of 50 microgauss for the magnetic field near the Galactic Centre" clearly specifies the context and unit of measurement.

Common error

Avoid using "a lower limit" when you actually mean an average or typical value. "A lower limit" defines the minimum acceptable or expected value, not the central tendency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lower limit" functions primarily as a noun phrase that specifies a minimum boundary or threshold for a particular measurement, quantity, or condition. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to indicate the smallest acceptable or possible value in a given context. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various domains, including science, finance, and law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lower limit" is a noun phrase used to define the minimum value or boundary of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its function is to establish a baseline or threshold, often in scientific, academic, and professional contexts. While it appears across different domains, it's more prevalent in formal settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what the lower limit refers to and its significance. Alternatives such as "minimum threshold" or "floor value" can be used depending on the context. Be sure to avoid using it when you actually mean an average value. With its frequent use and clear purpose, "a lower limit" is a valuable phrase for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum threshold

Focuses on the minimum acceptable value or point, omitting the word "limit".

lower threshold

Changes the focus to the threshold itself being low.

floor value

Emphasizes the base or minimum value, especially in economic or financial contexts.

lowest bound

Highlights the mathematical or statistical boundary below which values are not expected to fall.

minimum level

Indicates the least permissible or required level of something.

absolute minimum

Emphasizes that it's the lowest possible value.

baseline value

Refers to an initial or minimum value used for comparison.

threshold floor

Combines the idea of a threshold with a minimum level.

minimal requirement

Focuses on the least acceptable requirement or condition.

rock bottom

Suggests the absolute lowest point, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How is "a lower limit" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "a lower limit" is frequently used to indicate the smallest possible value for a measurement or quantity, especially when the exact value cannot be precisely determined. For example, "This must be viewed as "a lower limit" until our search of parameter space is complete".

What's the difference between "a lower limit" and "an upper limit"?

"A lower limit" refers to the smallest possible value in a range, whereas "an upper limit" indicates the largest possible value. Both terms define the boundaries of a possible range of values.

What are some alternatives to saying "a lower limit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "minimum threshold", "floor value", or "lowest bound" instead of "a lower limit".

When is it appropriate to use "a lower limit" in a sentence?

Use "a lower limit" when you want to specify the minimum value or boundary of something. For example, "A more recent law sets "a lower limit" for compensation but no upper limit".