below the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

"below the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "She scored below the limit on the driving test and will need to take it again."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lipid hydroperoxides were below the limit of detection in plasma from all healthy subjects.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Concentrations below the limit of detection (LOD) were replaced by LOD/21/2 [ 28].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Fees Well below the limit of £3,145.

The Guardian

Within weeks, the viral count fell below the limit of detection.

The New Yorker

But it was still comfortably below the limit they had set for themselves, $450,000.

The New York Times

Below the limit of detection.

Chemistry Central Journal

below the limit of quantitation.

AAPS Open

BLD, Below the limit of detection.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Different materials' temperature and stresses were well below the limit.

Fusion Engineering and Design

N/D represents eradication below the limit of detection.

AMB Express

(Being below the limit doesn't necessarily mean the water is safe from lead).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a measurement "below the limit" of detection in scientific writing, always specify the limit of detection or quantification for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "below the limit" interchangeably with phrases like "under the radar" or "within range" without considering the specific context. "Below the limit" implies a defined threshold, while the other phrases might suggest avoidance or general containment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the limit" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating that a quantity or value is less than a specified or understood maximum. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "below the limit" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a value is less than a specific threshold, often in technical or regulatory contexts. It is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Common alternatives include phrases such as "under the threshold" or "less than the maximum". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the limit or context to which it refers. While versatile, avoid confusing it with broader terms like "under the radar". The phrase is especially common in scientific and news contexts, reflecting its importance in reporting and analyzing data against established standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the threshold

Replaces "limit" with "threshold", emphasizing a point of transition or change.

below the regulated level

States that something doesn't exceed a legally or officially controlled level.

less than the maximum

Uses a more descriptive approach, specifying that the value is smaller than the highest permissible value.

under the permissible level

Highlights that the quantity or degree is lower than what is allowed.

beneath the cutoff point

Suggests a specific value or standard that determines inclusion or exclusion.

lower than the designated amount

Clarifies that a particular quantity is smaller than a specified measure.

within acceptable bounds

Indicates that something falls within an allowed or tolerable range.

not exceeding the cap

Emphasizes that a certain upper boundary or "cap" is not being surpassed.

not surpassing the benchmark

Implies a comparison against a standard or "benchmark" that is not being exceeded.

within the margin

Indicates that something is safely inside the allowed variance.

FAQs

How can I use "below the limit" in a sentence?

The phrase "below the limit" indicates that something is less than a specific or acceptable threshold. For example, "The concentration of the contaminant was "below the limit" of detection."

What is an alternative to saying "below the limit"?

Alternatives include "under the threshold", "less than the maximum", or "within acceptable bounds" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is "below the limit of detection"?

It means that the quantity of a substance is so small that it cannot be reliably measured by a particular analytical method. The substance is present in a concentration too low to be accurately detected.

Is there a difference between "below the limit of detection" and "below the limit of quantification"?

Yes. "Below the limit of detection" means the substance is undetectable. "Below the limit of quantification" means the substance is detectable, but not measurable with acceptable accuracy.