close to the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is nearing a maximum threshold or boundary. Example: "The battery is close to the limit, so we need to recharge it soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The vast majority of customers wouldn't come anywhere close to the limit.

The New York Times

By these measures Nassau is at or close to the limit.

The New York Times

"We have parts of the country that are close to the limit".

The New York Times

"The observations with Cassini's radar are close to the limit of sensitivity so hard to interpret.

The Guardian

He acquired the libertarian faith in high school and took it close to the limit.

The New Yorker

Russia, in contrast, is producing flat-out, close to the limit of its current capacity.

The New York Times

"Pushing it that close to the limit is something we would absolutely never do".

The New York Times

That gives France and Italy, which are close to the limit, some room for manoeuvre.

The Economist

"This was close to the limit, yet not crossing the line – making it safe for consumption," the researcher said.

The Guardian

However, my concern is that in terms of earnings to borrowing ratio we are already close to the limit.

The Guardian - Money

We are already up close to the limit, so the addition of water charges will be a huge burden.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to the limit" to clearly indicate that a value or condition is approaching its maximum or boundary, especially when precision is important. For instance, "The engine temperature is close to the limit, requiring immediate attention."

Common error

While "close to the limit" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversation where simpler phrases like "almost full" or "nearly done" might be more appropriate. Reserve it for situations needing a precise indication of nearing a boundary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the limit" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is approaching a maximum threshold, boundary, or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to the limit" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is nearing a maximum threshold or boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to provide a specific and often urgent indication of nearing a critical value. To ensure effective communication, use it when precision matters and consider simpler alternatives in casual settings. Avoiding overuse in informal conversation, you maintain clarity and impact when using the phrase "close to the limit".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing the threshold

Focuses on approaching a specific point or level.

approaching the maximum

Highlights the act of getting closer to the highest possible value or extent.

on the verge of exceeding

Emphasizes the imminence of surpassing a certain limit or boundary.

verging on the extreme

Suggests a tendency towards an excessive or intensified state.

almost at capacity

Indicates that something is nearly full or at its maximum operational level.

nearing full potential

Focuses on approaching the maximum level of development or capability.

bordering on the unacceptable

Highlights the proximity to a limit of tolerance or permissibility.

on the cusp of limitation

Suggests being at the edge of a restricting factor or boundary.

close to reaching its peak

Emphasizes approaching the highest point or culmination.

on the brink of saturation

Indicates approaching a state where no more can be absorbed or added.

FAQs

How can I use "close to the limit" in a sentence?

You can use "close to the limit" to indicate something is nearing its maximum or boundary. For example, "The server's storage capacity is "almost full"" or "The project deadline is "rapidly approaching"".

What are some alternatives to "close to the limit"?

Alternatives include "nearing the threshold", "approaching the maximum", or "almost at capacity", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "close to the limit"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is very near a maximum allowable level or a critical boundary. For example, "The budget deficit is "nearing its ceiling"".

Is "near the limit" the same as "close to the limit"?

Yes, "near the limit" is very similar in meaning to "close to the limit", but "close to the limit" provides a slightly stronger sense of proximity. Both phrases suggest that something is approaching its maximum or boundary.