at its limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is pushed to its maximum capacity or capability. Example: "The project is at its limits, and we need to find additional resources to continue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

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

Forbes

We argue here that the present analysis paradigm in quantitative genetics is at its limits in regards to unraveling complex traits and it is necessary to re-evaluate the direction that genetic research is taking for the field to realize its full potential.

Trends in Genetics

Gulder, T. & Baran, P. S. Strained cyclophane natural products: macrocyclization at its limits.

Nature

Hsin-Mei Chuang, born in Taiwan, is a researcher, cultural manager, writer, and author of China at its Limits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

The Guardian - Books

Examining the United Arab Emirates and the island Republic of Maldives, students will immerse themselves in relationships to water at its limits and apogees.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 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

"Our patience is at its limit.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its limits" when you want to convey that something is operating at its maximum capability, facing significant constraints, or is close to a critical threshold. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited.

Common error

Avoid using "at its limits" when referring to something that has potential for further growth or expansion. This phrase is best suited when discussing finite capacities or near-exhaustion scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its limits" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of maximum capacity or near exhaustion. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and conveys that something is pushed to its maximum capability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its limits" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state where something has reached its maximum capacity, capability, or tolerance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its suitability for expressing constraints or potential for failure. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what specific resource or system is being discussed and that it is truly at or near its maximum potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its peak

Focuses on the highest point or level achieved, implying a culmination rather than a boundary.

at its maximum capacity

Specifically indicates the greatest amount that something can contain or produce.

at its breaking point

Implies a state of near failure or collapse due to stress or pressure.

at its saturation point

Indicates that no more can be added or absorbed.

at its utmost

Emphasizes the highest degree or extent possible.

at its extremity

Highlights the furthest extent or most remote point.

at its full extent

Describes the complete range or scope of something.

at its tether's end

Suggests a restriction or limitation has been reached.

at its wit's end

Indicates a state of mental exhaustion or frustration due to limitations.

pushed to the edge

Implies being brought close to a dangerous or critical boundary.

FAQs

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

You can use "at its limits" to describe something functioning at its maximum capacity. For example, "The hospital is operating at its limits due to the surge in patients."

What are some alternatives to "at its limits"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at its peak", "at its maximum capacity", or "at its breaking point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at it's limits" instead of "at its limits"?

No, "at it's limits" is grammatically incorrect. The correct possessive form is "at its limits", where "its" indicates possession.

What's the difference between "at its limits" and "reaching its limits"?

"At its limits" describes a current state of being at maximum capacity, while "reaching its limits" implies a process of approaching that maximum capacity. For example, "The system is already at its limits", versus "The system is reaching its limits".