establishing limits

USAGE SUMMARY

"establishing limits" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you are defining boundaries or restrictions, such as in discussions about rules, policies, or personal boundaries. For example: "The teacher is focused on establishing limits for classroom behavior." Alternative expressions include "setting boundaries," "defining limits," and "imposing restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Establishing limits on advertising, because you don't want allowing to become promoting.

The New York Times

The first standards for sulfur dioxide were set in 1971, establishing limits both for public health and for the environment.

The New York Times - Science

"It becomes toxic when you start placing popularity with your kid above establishing limits or saying no".

The New York Times

An earlier version of this post misidentified an international body that offers guidance on establishing limits for radiation exposure.

The New York Times

This may mean increasing the minimum wage, encouraging greater unionization or perhaps even establishing limits on the ratios between the percentages of the profit that employees at different levels within a company are receiving as compensation for their labors.

The New York Times

Benchmarks: Understands the importance of the rule of law in establishing limits on both those who govern and the governed, protecting individual rights, and promoting the common good; Knows historical and contemporary examples of the rule of law Language Arts Standard 1- Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the writing process.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

That wasn't feasible without first establishing limited liability, because of the risk that a lawsuit involving any company in the portfolio could bring a major personal loss.

The New York Times

His case could establish limits on what doctors can do to help companies sell their drugs.

The New York Times

The treaty established limits on major categories of conventional military equipment in Europe.

The New York Times

The United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service does not have established limits for lead content in poultry.

The New York Times - Food

Unless you establish limits, you could find yourself doing the same at some point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about policies or rules, use "establishing limits" to convey a sense of formal creation and implementation of boundaries. This phrase is well-suited for discussions of regulations, standards, and legal frameworks.

Common error

Avoid using "establishing limits" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds too formal and stilted. Opt for alternatives like "setting boundaries" or "drawing the line" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establishing limits" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the act of creating or defining boundaries or restrictions. The examples in Ludwig show its usage in contexts related to regulations, standards, and personal boundaries. Ludwig AI validates the usability of it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establishing limits" is a gerund phrase used to describe the act of setting or defining boundaries. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in formal contexts such as news, science, and business. While versatile, it should be used carefully in informal settings, where simpler alternatives like "setting boundaries" may be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and usability of "establishing limits" in various writing scenarios. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting boundaries

Emphasizes the act of defining personal or interpersonal boundaries.

defining constraints

Focuses on identifying and specifying restrictions or limitations.

imposing restrictions

Highlights the act of enforcing limitations or rules.

setting parameters

Implies defining the scope or range within which something operates.

creating regulations

Relates to establishing formal rules or laws.

specifying criteria

Focuses on defining the standards or benchmarks to be met.

determining the scope

Emphasizes defining the extent or range of something.

instituting controls

Highlights implementing mechanisms to manage or regulate something.

fixing upper bounds

Focuses on setting maximum acceptable values or quantities.

laying down guidelines

Implies providing a set of rules or recommendations.

FAQs

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

"Establishing limits" is often used in the context of regulations, rules, or boundaries. For example, "The government is considering "establishing limits" on carbon emissions."

What are some synonyms for "establishing limits"?

Alternatives include "setting boundaries", "defining constraints", or "imposing restrictions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "establishing limits" or "setting limits"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Establishing limits" often implies a more formal or official process, while "setting limits" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "establishing limits" and "defining limits"?

"Establishing limits" suggests creating or instituting the boundaries, whereas "defining limits" focuses on clarifying or specifying existing boundaries. The subtle difference depends on whether the limits are new or already present but needing clarification.