beyond the bounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond the bounds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote something that is beyond the accepted limits of something. For example: "The level of destruction caused by the hurricane was beyond the bounds of anything that had been seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's not beyond the bounds of possibility.

The Guardian - Business

Trees line the arc beyond the bounds of play.

The New Yorker

He was generous beyond the bounds of what seemed credible.

The New Yorker

He became a hero beyond the bounds of Maine Road.

The Guardian

But it wasn't quite beyond the bounds of possibility".

The Guardian - Tech

This goes beyond the bounds of acceptable behaviour.

The Guardian

He lives beyond the bounds of responsibility with no onus to be consistent.

Independent

The Analytical Engine, she argued, went beyond the bounds of arithmetic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some have pressed their passion for justice beyond the bounds of what is proper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that it will come true.

Independent

The other movements never lingered yet never hurried beyond the bounds of rhythmic intelligibility.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond the bounds" to express that something has exceeded a normal or acceptable limit. For emphasis, consider the specific context and whether it's related to behavior, possibility, or physical space.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond the bounds" when simply describing something as different or unique. The phrase implies that something has crossed a threshold into an extreme or unacceptable state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the bounds" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate exceeding established limits or acceptable parameters. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond the bounds" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe situations that exceed normal or acceptable limits. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and its meaning is clear. It commonly appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a transgression of established limits rather than simple difference or uniqueness. Consider alternatives like "outside the limits" or "exceeding the boundaries" to add nuance. The frequency with which "beyond the bounds" appears in authoritative sources indicates that its correct usage is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside the limits

Focuses on the idea of not being contained within specific restrictions.

exceeding the boundaries

Highlights the action of surpassing defined limits.

past the confines

Emphasizes the idea of moving beyond a restricted area or space.

overstepping the mark

Suggests exceeding acceptable or appropriate behavior.

transcending limitations

Implies overcoming or rising above inherent restrictions.

out of control

Describes a situation or entity that is no longer managed or restrained.

unrestrained

Indicates a lack of control or limitation.

without restraint

Similar to "unrestrained", focusing on the absence of limiting factors.

unfettered

Implies freedom from constraints or restrictions.

without limits

Directly conveys the absence of any boundaries or restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond the bounds" in a sentence?

You can use "beyond the bounds" to describe something that exceeds normal limits or expectations. For example: "His behavior was "beyond the bounds" of acceptable conduct."

What phrases are similar to "beyond the bounds"?

Similar phrases include "outside the limits", "exceeding the boundaries", and "overstepping the mark", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "beyond the bound" instead of "beyond the bounds"?

No, the correct phrase is "beyond the bounds". "Bounds" refers to the limits or boundaries, so using the plural form is essential to accurately convey the meaning.

What's the difference between "beyond the bounds" and "unfettered"?

"Beyond the bounds" suggests something has exceeded its acceptable limits, whereas "unfettered" implies freedom from restraint or limitation. The first has a negative connotation more often, the latter suggests positive liberty.