bounds

USAGE SUMMARY

'bounds' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is commonly used as a noun meaning 'the limit or extent of something' or a verb meaning 'to enclose, restrict, or confine'. An example sentence is: She wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible, but she was bounded by what was socially acceptable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pollsters at Opinium said it appears that the two main parties are statistically tied, with variations in recent weeks being within the bounds of statistical error.

The Guardian

Your banks have lent my country crazy sums of money, way beyond the bounds of caution or common sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dear God, do the decadent whims of our royal family – and, indeed, certain singer-songwriters' thirst for lucrative "private gigs" – know no bounds?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Urbina's decision was reversed by other judges, who found that he had overstepped his judicial bounds.

The Guardian

Oduch's various descriptions and their accompanying pictures exceeded the bounds of prurience.

The Guardian

Our bill will help Congress and the American people exercise proper oversight, while still enabling us to do everything possible within the bounds of the constitution to protect ourselves from those who would harm us".

The Guardian

He bounds back up the stairs from the car park and sits again, lip duly salved.

The Guardian - Film

Senior editors at Wikipedia became exasperated by this anonymous amending with one responding on 20 July 2013 by saying: "Dear Grant Shapps, clearly your and your supporter's dodgy behaviour knows no bounds".

The Guardian

As devices like mobile phones and tablets improve in leaps and bounds, they leave in-car technology behind, making it look and feel outdated in a matter of years, if not months.

The Guardian - Tech

Giles's role was somewhere between superhero and caring dad, often getting us out of trouble with the calm utterance, "Bear awaaay," and by the end of the trip everyone's confidence and ability had come on in leaps and bounds.

The Guardian - Travel

And Europe will only evolve by degrees, not in leaps and bounds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bounds", ensure the context clearly defines what is being limited. For example, specify "within the bounds of acceptable behavior" rather than just "within bounds".

Common error

Avoid using "bound" when you mean "bounds" to refer to multiple limits or a range of possibilities. "Bound" is the singular form or a verb, whereas "bounds" is typically used as a plural noun.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bounds" is as a noun, typically in the plural form, referring to limits, boundaries, or extents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a verb, though the noun form is more prevalent in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bounds" functions primarily as a plural noun denoting limits or boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. When using "bounds", ensure clarity in defining the specific limits or boundaries being referenced, and avoid confusing it with the singular form "bound". Remember to consider "limits", "boundaries", or "constraints" as possible alternatives to "bounds".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limits

Focuses on the restrictive aspect of boundaries.

boundaries

Emphasizes the dividing lines or edges.

constraints

Highlights restrictions and limitations.

limitations

Stresses the inherent restrictions or shortcomings.

confines

Suggests enclosure and restriction within set parameters.

parameters

Refers to defined limits or boundaries.

restrictions

Highlights the rules or regulations that impose limits.

perimeters

Emphasizes the outermost limits or boundaries.

extents

Focuses on the degree or scope to which something reaches.

margins

Implies a small area or degree allowed beyond a main limit.

FAQs

How can I use "bounds" in a sentence?

You can use "bounds" to refer to limits or boundaries, such as "The project stayed within the "bounds of the budget"" or "Her enthusiasm knows no bounds".

What's the difference between "bounds" and "boundaries"?

"Bounds" often refers to limits in a more abstract sense, while "boundaries" typically refers to physical or defined limits. For example, "ethical bounds" versus "property boundaries".

Which is correct, "within the bounds" or "within the bound"?

"Within the bounds" is correct when referring to multiple limits or a general range. "Within the bound" is less common and would only be appropriate if referring to a single, specific limit.

What can I say instead of "beyond the bounds of"?

You can use alternatives like "outside the limits of", "exceeding the boundaries of", or "transcending the confines of" depending on the context.