at its limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has reached its maximum capacity or threshold. Example: "The patience of the team was at its limit after the constant delays in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Keep in mind: Some commercial steamers heat up the milk so quickly that you'll need to remove the milk from the steamer about 10º F before it's at its limit in order to keep it from scalding.

WikiHow

Munich has said that it is at its "limit", after the refugee crisis has sent a huge influx of migrants into southern Germany.

Independent

"It could be that the biosphere is at its limit but we cannot tell that at the moment".

BBC

Traditional metaphysics, and the propositions of ethics and aesthetics, which try to capture the world as a whole, are also excluded, as is the truth in solipsism, the very notion of a subject, for it is also not "in" the world but at its limit.

SEP

"Our patience is at its limit.

The New York Times

By that estimate, the jobless rate is at its limit.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Dodge estimates these figures because it has sagely avoided testing this vehicle at its limits.

Forbes

The bulge of humans hanging out of the doorway distended perilously, like a soap bubble at its limits".

The Guardian - Books

Same-store sales fell at its Limited and Structure chains and at Intimate Brands' stores, as consumers spent less on clothing, bath gels and lotions.

The New York Times

The Astra has grip to spare, but when the overmatched engine is at its limits in corners, the tires still aren't breaking a sweat.

The New York Times

Cornell's voice is strong, straining at its limits, and there is a sweetly multi-tracked bridge that works well against the rhythm, which percolates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its limit" to clearly indicate that a resource, system, or entity has reached its maximum capacity or tolerance. Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning, such as physical limits, emotional thresholds, or resource constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "at its limit" interchangeably with phrases that suggest a temporary state or a point of potential, but not actual, constraint. Ensure the situation genuinely reflects reaching the maximum possible extent rather than approaching it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its limit" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a noun or situation that has reached its maximum capacity, threshold, or tolerance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its limit" effectively communicates that something has reached its maximum capacity or tolerance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most frequently encountered in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a state of maximum constraint, as it is not interchangeable with expressions denoting temporary states or approaching limits. Alternatives include "at capacity" or "maxed out", offering similar meanings with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at capacity

Replaces "its limit" with a single word indicating full capacity.

at maximum capacity

Specifies that the limit being reached is the maximum capacity.

at the maximum

Simple replacement for "at its limit" emphasizing the maximum value.

maxed out

Informal expression for reaching the maximum.

stretched to the breaking point

Implies that reaching the limit could lead to failure.

pushed to the edge

Suggests a near-limit state, implying risk.

reaching saturation

Indicates that no more can be added or tolerated.

at the breaking point

Similar to stretched to the breaking point, but slightly less intense.

at the end of its rope

Idiomatic expression indicating the limit of one's ability to cope.

at full stretch

Suggests that something is being used to its fullest extent.

FAQs

How can I use "at its limit" in a sentence?

You can use "at its limit" to describe situations where something has reached its maximum capacity or threshold. For instance, "The hospital's resources were "at its limit" during the pandemic."

What are some alternatives to saying "at its limit"?

Alternatives include "at capacity", "maxed out", or "at the breaking point", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at its limit" or "at its maximum"?

Both "at its limit" and "at its maximum" are correct, but "at its limit" often implies a constraint or threshold beyond which something cannot function effectively, while "at its maximum" simply indicates the highest possible value or quantity.

When is it best to use the phrase "at its limit"?

The phrase "at its limit" is best used when describing a state where something can't handle any more. This could be physically, emotionally, or in terms of resources. For example: "The server was "at its limit", so the website crashed."