at the outer limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the outer limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is at the extreme edge or boundary of a particular range or situation. Example: "The research team was exploring phenomena that exist at the outer limits of our understanding of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The young Brendel here plays one of the few pieces (slow movement only) the older Brendel admits he still plays for pleasure, and which he describes as "at the outer limits of what a composer of sonatas can achieve".

The Guardian - Music

We can deploy measuring systems at the outer limits of understanding.

The Guardian - Opinion

The man laughed halfheartedly, but Allmon was suddenly at the outer limits of his brother's fingertips.

The New Yorker

"We're at the outer limits of the possible right now," Mr. Vedrine said.

The New York Times

And at the outer limits you find the mysterious twins of Amersham and Chesham.

Independent

Writers work best when they are exploring at the outer limits of what is traditional, acceptable or conventional.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Lynn A. Stout, professor of securities law at the University of California, Los Angeles, said Credit Suisse's four-year stock deferral was at the outer limit of what many banks were considering.

The New York Times

With long-haul firmly ruled out, Jordan is at the outer limit of the range of easyJet's fleet of Airbus short-haul jets.

The Guardian - Business

That was far greater than the "single digit" ratio the Supreme Court placed at the outer limit of constitutionality three years ago, the last time it decided a punitive damages case.

The New York Times

"By the standards of days gone by I was not even remotely a toper, and I couldn't do lunchtime drinking except on Christmas Day, but if you took the thing everyone always lies about — units per week — I was definitely at the outer limit," he writes.

The New York Times

The coastal observatory MAMBO1, located at the outer limit of the Miramare Marine Protected Area at a depth of approximately 18 m, is equipped with a meteorological station and oceanographic sensors.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the outer limits" when you want to emphasize that something is operating at the very edge of what is possible or acceptable. This adds a sense of intensity or risk to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at the outer limits" in everyday situations where the extremity isn't genuinely present. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the outer limits" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a state of being at the furthest extent or boundary of something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Books

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the outer limits" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the extreme edge or boundary of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and literature. While it's effective for highlighting intensity, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Related phrases include "at the edge of" and "on the fringes of", each offering slightly different nuances. Being mindful of these subtleties allows for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the furthest extent of

Emphasizes the maximum reach or scope of something.

at the very edge of

Stresses the proximity to the absolute border or limit.

at the boundary of

Highlights the border or dividing line of something.

at the ultimate boundary

Implies the final and most extreme limit possible.

at the edge of

Indicates being near the boundary, but less emphatic about extremity.

on the fringes of

Suggests a peripheral position, often implying unconventionality.

at the periphery of

Emphasizes a position away from the center or main area.

in the extreme

Focuses on the degree or intensity rather than spatial location.

on the verge of

Indicates being close to a transition or turning point.

at the threshold of

Similar to 'on the verge of', but suggests a more defined point of entry.

FAQs

How can I use "at the outer limits" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe something existing at the farthest point or extreme edge. For example, "The experiment tested the material's strength "at the outer limits" of its capacity".

What phrases can I use instead of "at the outer limits"?

Alternatives include "at the edge of", "on the fringes of", or "in the extreme". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at the outer limit" instead of "at the outer limits"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "at the outer limits" is more common and generally refers to a range or spectrum of possibilities. "At the outer limit" usually refers to a single, specific boundary or point.

What's the difference between "at the outer limits" and "beyond the limits"?

"At the outer limits" suggests reaching the furthest point within a set of boundaries, while "beyond the limits" implies surpassing those boundaries entirely.