exceeded the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceeded the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has gone beyond a set boundary or threshold, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The athlete exceeded the limits of human endurance during the marathon, pushing through pain and fatigue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Presumably this exceeded the limits of sports.

The New York Times

"Bossi has exceeded the limits of decency," the deputy prime minister, Gianfranco Fini, said.

The Guardian

He has already vastly exceeded the limits imposed on candidates who choose public financing.

The New York Times

"For the others, they all exceeded the limits and most exceeded it by 10 times.

The Telegraph

Charging at half the rate would have exceeded the limits of my schedule and my patience.

The New York Times

The two main stock markets rebounded so quickly Friday that trading was halted twice when jumps exceeded the limits.

The New York Times

The trailer exceeded the limits for flashing images which serve to protect those affected by photosensitive epilepsy".

The Guardian

The language often exceeded the limits of what the Erik Wemple Blog's copy desk will allow in this space.

The Washington Post

The conduct of those charged, she said, "far exceeded the limits of normal teenage relationship-related quarrels".

The New York Times

The preservationists said the demolition work, which began in June, had exceeded the limits set by the commission.

The New York Times - Arts

BMS and instrument are responsible for the average radiated emission exceeded the limits for the testing EV.

Energy Procedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceeded the limits", ensure the context clearly defines what those limits are. For instance, specify the numerical value, regulation, or standard that was surpassed.

Common error

Avoid using "exceeded the limits" without specifying what the limits are. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Provide clear context to make your meaning precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceeded the limits" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has surpassed a defined boundary or maximum. It is commonly used to describe situations where a restriction, threshold, or regulation has been surpassed, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceeded the limits" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the idea of surpassing a defined boundary or maximum. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what those limits are to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "went beyond the limits" or "surpassed the limits" can be used to achieve slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went beyond the limits

Uses 'went' instead of 'exceeded', offering a more informal tone while retaining the core meaning.

surpassed the limits

Employs 'surpassed' which implies exceeding by a significant margin, suggesting a notable achievement.

overstepped the limits

Uses 'overstepped', suggesting a transgression or violation of established boundaries.

transgressed the boundaries

Replaces 'exceeded' with 'transgressed', indicating a more formal and potentially negative violation of rules.

exceeded the threshold

Substitutes 'limits' with 'threshold', focusing on a specific point of entry or change.

exceeded the bounds

Replaces 'limits' with 'bounds', suggesting a more philosophical or abstract exceeding of restrictions.

exceeded the restrictions

Substitutes 'limits' with 'restrictions', focusing on rules or regulations that have been surpassed.

broke the boundaries

Uses 'broke' which suggests a forceful or dramatic violation of the established limits.

pushed the envelope

An idiomatic expression implying that existing limits were tested or exceeded, often in a creative or innovative way.

defied the constraints

Employs 'defied', implying a deliberate act of going against or ignoring existing limitations.

FAQs

What does "exceeded the limits" mean?

The phrase "exceeded the limits" means to have gone beyond a set boundary or threshold. It implies surpassing a defined maximum or restriction.

What can I say instead of "exceeded the limits"?

You can use alternatives like "went beyond the limits", "surpassed the limits", or "overstepped the limits" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exceeded the limit" instead of "exceeded the limits"?

The singular form "exceeded the limit" is appropriate when referring to a single, specific boundary. The plural form "exceeded the limits" is used when referring to multiple or general restrictions.

How can I use "exceeded the limits" in a sentence?

For example, you can say, "The athlete "exceeded the limits" of human endurance" or "The company "exceeded the limits" set by environmental regulations."