broad limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a range or scope that is wide or extensive, often in contexts related to rules, guidelines, or boundaries. Example: "The project has broad limits, allowing for a variety of creative approaches and solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Within broad limits, the Constitution invites these sorts of local experiment.

The New Yorker

Within broad limits, both exams provide a reasonable assessment of these skills.

Harvard University

He suggests it is time to ask the public if it wants "broad limits" enforced on the size of the capital.

The Guardian

Government officials have acknowledged that the agency has gone beyond the broad limits set by Congress last year for intercepting telephone and e-mail messages of Americans.

The New York Times

The House spending resolution, though largely symbolic, would set broad limits on spending for next year and nonbinding goals for the next five years.

The New York Times

But overly broad limits on investment from China, after 40 years of ever-tighter integration between the U.S. and Chinese economies, could harm companies such as Formlabs.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The basic foundation of his code, Witt contends, was that "virtually any use of force was permissible if required by military necessity," which produced "both a broad limit on war's violence and a robust license to destroy".

The New York Times

64 4 mm slices were taken because of the broad limit of the long axis of the knee coil (∼256 mm).

Human Molecular Genetics

Nevertheless, the difference between the original P-V method and the modified version used by Lu and coworkers in more than half of their patients might partly account for the broad limit of agreement with the 'gold standard' method.

Critical Care

To avoid that problem, the court held that Congress has the power to impose those broader limits.

The New York Times

The measure was the latest Republican-led effort to provide legal immunity for a specific industry after efforts to impose broader limits have been blocked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad limits", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity about what falls within those limits. Although the limits are not strict, the reader should still understand the general scope.

Common error

Avoid using "broad limits" when the context requires specific, measurable boundaries. Using the phrase in such cases can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad limits" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a range or boundary that is wide and not precisely defined, allowing for flexibility within that scope. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad limits" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates a wide, flexible range or boundary. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, the phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. It’s important to use "broad limits" when flexibility is intended, avoiding its use when precision is required. Alternatives such as "wide boundaries" or "extensive parameters" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed. When using the phrase, ensure that the context provides enough clarity to understand what falls within those limits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide boundaries

This alternative emphasizes the range of acceptable values or actions.

extensive parameters

This alternative highlights the scope of what is being defined.

general constraints

This alternative suggests a lack of specificity in the restrictions.

flexible guidelines

This alternative stresses the adaptability of the rules.

generous allowances

This alternative implies that the restrictions allow for freedom.

ample latitude

This alternative is more formal but similar in meaning to freedom.

loose restrictions

This alternative is less formal while keeping the meaning intact.

open-ended provisions

This alternative emphasizes a lack of defined endpoint.

inclusive scope

This alternative highlights that a large number of things are covered.

permissive framework

This alternative suggests rules that are tolerant and allow exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "broad limits" in a sentence?

You can use "broad limits" to indicate a wide range of acceptability or tolerance. For example: "The regulations set "broad limits" on emissions, allowing companies some flexibility."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "broad limits"?

Similar phrases include "wide boundaries", "extensive parameters", and "general constraints". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "broad limits"?

It's not fitting to use "broad limits" in contexts that demand specific, well-defined boundaries. Doing so can create confusion. It is also unsuitable if an upper or lower bound is clearly defined.

Is "broad limits" the same as "strict limits"?

No, "broad limits" and "strict limits" are opposites. "Broad limits" imply flexibility and a wide range of acceptable values, while "strict limits" indicate rigid and narrow constraints.