encroaching on limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encroaching on limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is gradually intruding or infringing upon established boundaries or restrictions. Example: "The new regulations are encroaching on limits that have been in place for decades, causing concern among local businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, this has been systematically encroached on by development.

Wikipedia

This fire, and another one, called the Creek fire, that raged Tuesday in Sylmar, a neighborhood within the Los Angeles city limits, were encroaching on Metropolitan Los Angeles, one of the most populated regions in the U.S.

Vice

Until the 1973 drought, there were even trees here," he says, indicating the bald dunes encroaching on the northern city limits.

The Guardian

European settlement in southernmost Vancouver Island and the signing of the Douglas Treaties (1850 1854) changed Lekwungen lifeways and livelihoods dramatically by encroaching on traditional lands and limiting fishing rights, as well as imposing waged work on Indigenous Peoples in agriculture, fishing, canneries and housekeeping (Lutz 2009).

Ecological Processes

Friendship groups might avoid encroaching on other students' space, limiting the optimal use of shade sails.

British Medical Journal

The R193H cTnI mutant alone encroaches on this limit as it has a dominant effect in all combinations to cause a Ca2+ independent diastolic tone [22], [30].

Plosone

"No one is encroaching on the rights of citizens to peaceful protest".

Independent

Hence liberalism's inherent ambivalence toward the public sphere and more particularly the state: the latter must be strong enough to guarantee the freedoms enjoyed in private life, yet limited enough to prevent it from encroaching on those same freedoms.

Johns Hopkins University

They're encroaching on us".

The New York Times

We are encroaching on it.

Independent

Meanwhile, the world is encroaching on Gibtown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encroaching on limits", ensure the context clearly establishes what the limits are and how they are being infringed upon. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "encroaching on limits" without clearly defining the specific limits being referred to. Ambiguity can weaken your argument and confuse the reader. Always specify what boundaries are being transgressed for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encroaching on limits" functions as a verbal phrase describing the act of gradually intruding upon or exceeding established boundaries or restrictions. Though Ludwig provides examples of "encroaching on", no exact matches for the full phrase are present to further refine this function.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encroaching on limits" is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, but shows limited usage in common contexts. It describes the action of gradually intruding upon established boundaries or restrictions. While semantically sound, alternative phrases like ""infringing upon restrictions"" or "trespassing on boundaries" may provide more clarity. Due to the absence of specific examples in Ludwig's database, it's crucial to clearly define what limits are being infringed upon to avoid ambiguity in your writing. Despite its correct grammatical structure, the infrequent use suggests a need for careful contextualization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infringing upon restrictions

Focuses on violating established rules or regulations, rather than physical boundaries.

trespassing on boundaries

Suggests a violation of physical or metaphorical boundaries, often with a negative connotation.

exceeding the boundaries

Emphasizes surpassing defined limits or borders, often implying a transgression.

overstepping the mark

Indicates going beyond what is considered acceptable or appropriate in behavior or actions.

exceeding limitations

Highlights surpassing inherent constraints or restrictions, often in a context of capability or performance.

impinging on constraints

Focuses on the negative impact of actions or decisions on existing limitations.

violating constraints

Implies a direct breach of established limitations or restrictions.

intruding on restrictions

Suggests an unwelcome or inappropriate entry into established limitations.

overreaching boundaries

Indicates extending beyond the intended or permissible limits of authority or influence.

transgressing the limits

Emphasizes a moral or ethical violation of established boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "encroaching on limits" in a sentence?

While not very common, you can use "encroaching on limits" to describe something gradually exceeding or intruding upon established boundaries or restrictions. For example, "The new regulations are "infringing upon restrictions" that have been in place for decades".

What can I say instead of "encroaching on limits"?

You can use alternatives like ""infringing upon restrictions"", "trespassing on boundaries", or "exceeding the boundaries" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "encroaching on limits" and "exceeding limitations"?

"Encroaching on limits" implies a gradual intrusion or infringement upon existing boundaries, while "exceeding limitations" suggests surpassing inherent constraints or restrictions, often in the context of capability or performance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "encroaching on limits"?

The phrase "encroaching on limits" is appropriate when describing a situation where something is gradually intruding upon or exceeding established boundaries, regulations, or restrictions. Be sure to clearly define what those boundaries are for context.