beyond the bounds of

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that goes beyond accepted limits or boundaries, either literally or figuratively. For example: The amount of money he spent on the car was beyond the bounds of what we had agreed upon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

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

Independent

He recognises that is something which remains beyond the bounds of science.

The Economist

It is not easy, these days, to go beyond the bounds of taste.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond the bounds of", ensure the context clearly establishes what the boundaries or limits are. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "beyond the bounds of" is a relatively formal phrase. Avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing, opting for simpler alternatives like "outside the limits of" or "past the point of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the bounds of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate that something exceeds or transgresses established limits or boundaries. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing actions, ideas, or situations that go beyond what is considered acceptable, possible, or reasonable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beyond the bounds of" is a prepositional phrase that signifies exceeding established limits or boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and quite common. Its function is to express that something is excessive or inappropriate, frequently with disapproval. Its formality makes it most fitting for professional and neutral contexts, such as news reports, rather than casual conversation. The phrase sees common usage in "News & Media", "Science", and "Encyclopedias". When writing, be sure to define what boundaries are being transgressed, and consider more informal alternatives like "outside the limits of" for casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside the limits of

Replaces "bounds" with "limits", offering a more direct synonym.

exceeding the boundaries of

Uses a verb form ("exceeding") to convey the action of surpassing limits.

transcending the limits of

Implies a higher level of exceeding, suggesting something goes far beyond normal limits.

outside the scope of

Focuses on the idea that something falls outside a defined area or range.

surpassing the confines of

Uses "confines" to emphasize the restrictive nature of the boundaries being exceeded.

past the point of

A more informal way of saying something has gone too far or exceeded an acceptable limit.

in excess of

A concise and formal way to indicate that something is more than a specified amount or limit.

overstepping the mark of

Implies that someone has crossed a line and behaved inappropriately.

not within the purview of

Suggests that something is not under the control or responsibility of a particular person or entity.

running contrary to

Indicates that something is acting against or in opposition to a set of rules or principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond the bounds of" to describe something that exceeds accepted limits or boundaries. For example, "His behavior went beyond the bounds of acceptable conduct".

What are some alternatives to "beyond the bounds of"?

Alternatives include "outside the limits of", "exceeding the boundaries of", or "outside the scope of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "beyond the bounds of" in writing?

It's suitable in formal writing, news reports, and academic papers. It adds a sense of seriousness and emphasizes the transgression of limits. Consider alternatives like "past the point of" or "overstepping the mark of" in more casual settings.

Is "beyond the bounds of" the same as "outside the bounds of"?

Yes, they are largely interchangeable and carry a similar meaning. Both indicate that something lies outside the defined or acceptable limits. However, "beyond" might suggest a more significant transgression than "outside".