breaching the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaching the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is exceeding boundaries or restrictions, whether they are physical, legal, or metaphorical. Example: "The athlete was disqualified for breaching the limits set by the competition rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The penalties for breaching the limits will come into force from next season.

Independent

A polarizing figure who delighted in breaching the limits of propriety and cinematic good taste, Mr. Russell courted controversy through much of his career.

The New York Times - Arts

We must meet human needs and aspirations for jobs, energy and health without breaching the limits of our planet's capacity to absorb carbon emissions or by destroying our scarce biodiversity.

The Guardian

European Union limits demand that maximum hourly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations are not exceeded for more than 18 hours a year – yet Putney High Street, in west London, had recorded its 19th hour breaching the limits during Friday morning's rush hour, the London Air Quality Network said.

Independent

They've decided to launch the first case against a member state for breaching the limits on NO2.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The government has therefore proposed that NHS trusts breaching the limit would have to pay fines four times the cost of the excess hours worked.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, while it had not reduced its debt enough, it invoked the precedents of other countries, like Italy and Belgium, that had been allowed in despite breaching the limit.

The New York Times

Lady Stowell was appointed on the lower minister of state's pay to avoid breaching the limit on numbers of full members around the famous table at 10 Downing Street after it was decided to keep Mr Hague in the Cabinet.

Independent

While almost all of its peers were officially in excessive deficit, breaching the limit of 3% of GDP, Estonia had the lowest deficit in the EU - even though it had just undergone a brutal recession.

The Economist

While some Republicans have been flirting with the idea of breaching the limit, others seemed to regard that deadline as the time to get something done.

Huffington Post

Instead, both sides breached the limits of the battlefield and lurched together into the uncontained expanses of modern war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaching the limits" when you want to emphasize the act of exceeding a specific, often formally defined, boundary or restriction. This is frequently found in discussions of regulations, laws, or measurable quantities like pollution levels or financial thresholds.

Common error

Avoid using "breaching the limits" when a more general term like "exceeding" or "violating" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when there's a clear, quantifiable limit being surpassed, not just a general sense of going too far.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaching the limits" functions as a nominalization, describing the act of exceeding or violating established boundaries or constraints. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breaching the limits" refers to exceeding or violating established boundaries or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. It carries a neutral to formal tone and is used to convey the surpassing of specific, often formally defined, limits. Consider alternatives like "exceeding the boundaries" or "violating the constraints" depending on the specific context. It is important to distinguish this phrase from more general terms and reserve it for instances where a clear, quantifiable limit is being surpassed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeding the boundaries

Focuses on surpassing defined boundaries, whether physical or abstract.

violating the constraints

Highlights the act of breaking or disregarding imposed constraints.

overstepping the mark

Implies going too far and potentially causing offense or harm.

infringing upon the restrictions

Emphasizes the encroachment upon established limitations or rules.

transgressing the boundaries

A more formal way of saying exceeding boundaries, often with moral or legal implications.

surpassing the limitations

Highlights the act of going beyond what is considered possible or acceptable.

defying the restrictions

Implies a deliberate act of resistance against imposed limitations.

ignoring the parameters

Focuses on the lack of attention to or disregard for established guidelines.

overrunning the barriers

Suggests a forceful or overwhelming breach of obstacles or limits.

pushing past the constraints

Emphasizes effort in exceeding limitations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "breaching the limits"?

You can use alternatives like "exceeding the boundaries", "violating the constraints", or "overstepping the mark" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "breaching the limits" typically used?

It's often used in situations involving regulations, laws, or measurable quantities. For example, discussing financial regulations, pollution levels, or contractual agreements.

What's the difference between "breaching the limits" and "exceeding expectations"?

"Breaching the limits" implies violating a set boundary, while "exceeding expectations" means surpassing anticipated outcomes or performance. The former is about rules, the latter about performance.

Is "breaching the limits" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards being a neutral to formal expression, often found in news reports, legal documents, or scientific papers. It's less common in casual conversation.