below the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is beneath a specified threshold or standard. Example: "The temperature readings were consistently below the limits set for safe operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those that emit above their limits will have to buy permits from companies that pollute below the limits.

The Guardian

As with any structure, stresses at all points must remain below the limits allowable for the construction material.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the increase is just below the limits of statistical significance, it reverses the downward trend that polls have shown in the last five years.

The New York Times

In general, because organisms normally exist within a relatively narrow temperature range, temperatures above or below the limits of this range can induce dormancy in certain organisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Metal impurities were below the limits established by USP.

Food Chemistry

These values are also well below the limits given by the ICRP [21].

EJNMMI Research

Concentrations of APs and PCBs were below the limits of quantification in all the sediments analyzed.

Journal of Hydrology

Our failure to detect volume and compaction differences indicates that possible differences are below the limits of light optical resolution.

Differentiation

Another unidentified protein was expressed in leaf sheathes, but was below the limits of detection in leaf blades and roots.

Rice

The concentrations of formed THM were below the limits for drinking water under all investigated experimental conditions.

Catalysis Today

Only 2 samples presented relevant levels of histamine and tyramine, but both below the limits reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Food Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing test results or measurements, use "below the limits" to clearly indicate that the values are within acceptable or safe ranges.

Common error

Avoid using "below the limits" when you mean "under the influence". The former indicates compliance or acceptability, while the latter refers to being affected by a substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the limits" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is less than a specific threshold or permissible value. Ludwig examples show it often relates to measurements, concentrations, or levels. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "below the limits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies something is under a defined threshold, often in scientific and regulatory contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's correct and usable in formal and informal writing. Key alternatives include "under the threshold" and "within acceptable bounds". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with its intended purpose—to communicate compliance or safety—and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "under the influence". With its presence in authoritative sources like PlosOne and The New York Times, "below the limits" proves to be a reliable and versatile choice for conveying that something falls beneath a specified maximum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the threshold

This alternative focuses on the idea of being beneath a specific threshold or level.

beneath the permissible level

This alternative emphasizes that something is under an allowed or acceptable level.

within acceptable bounds

This phrase highlights that something is inside the range of what is considered acceptable.

less than the allowed amount

This alternative uses a more straightforward description, specifying that something is less than a permitted quantity.

not exceeding the maximum

This phrase emphasizes that a certain maximum value is not being surpassed.

lower than the prescribed level

The phrase suggests adherence to a specified level that is required or advised.

under the designated criteria

This version focuses on adherence to certain specified criteria or benchmarks.

below the required standard

This alternative indicates a failure to meet a necessary or expected standard.

within the safety margin

This phrase emphasizes being within a safe or acceptable range, often in risk-related contexts.

under the regulatory threshold

This alternative specifies compliance with rules or regulations that set a threshold.

FAQs

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

You can use "below the limits" to describe situations where a measurement, quantity, or level is less than a specified threshold. For example, "The emission levels were "below the limits" set by environmental regulations".

What's a good alternative to "below the limits"?

Alternatives to "below the limits" include phrases such as "under the threshold", "within acceptable bounds", or "less than the allowed amount" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "below the limits" or "under the limits"?

"Below the limits" is generally preferred because it is more common and idiomatic. While "under the limits" might be understood, it's not as frequently used.

What does it mean when test results are "below the limits of detection"?

When test results are "below the limits of detection", it means that the substance being tested for was present in such a small amount that it couldn't be accurately measured by the testing method used. The substance may still be present, but at levels too low to quantify.