expand the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

"expand the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
This expression can be used when you want to suggest that someone should push boundaries, increase their range of options, or increase their knowledge or capabilities. For example, "we need to expand the limits of our thinking in order to solve this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Politicians such as Sanders expand the limits of political possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rapid development in nanomedicine will expand the limits of operative performance through improved navigation and surgical precision.

Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology

And the United States has a long proud record of upholding the highest standards of ethics as we expand the limits of science and knowledge.

The New York Times

At the same time, Puerto Ricans were unable to expand the limits of their autonomy to include international diplomacy, such as playing a greater role in Caribbean affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scientists and other sensory explorers are developing powerful new technologies that can change, enhance and perhaps expand the limits of what we can perceive.

University of California, Berkeley

If Kyoto does take effect, we may find that after industries and countries begin to comply, it will be easier to expand the limits of what is politically possible.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The bill does expand the limit to seven days of detention, from two days, though under some circumstances that could be repeatedly extended by six-month periods.

The New York Times

The exchange raised the limit to 3 cents for yesterday's session because the price fell the normal 1.5 cent limit on Wednesday and will expand the limit again, to 5 cents a pound, for Monday's session.

The New York Times

Another party leadership group has another proposal to expand the limit to three terms.

Los Angeles Times

We hypothesize that these co-labelled membranes correspond to regions of the tonoplast where vacuole bulbs were unfolded to expand the limiting membrane of the central vacuole.

AoB PLANTS

Once again, it expands the limits of what the Balearic sound can be.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expand the limits" when you want to express the idea of increasing potential or pushing beyond the current capabilities in fields like science, technology, or personal development. For example, "We must expand the limits of our understanding of the universe."

Common error

Avoid using "expand the limits" in overly casual or informal conversations. It is generally more appropriate for formal writing, presentations, or discussions that involve abstract concepts and complex ideas.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expand the limits" is as a verb phrase acting as an infinitive, often used to express a goal or purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and frequently used to express the act of extending boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expand the limits" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey the idea of pushing boundaries, increasing scope, or enhancing possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "broaden the scope" or "extend the boundaries" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

push the boundaries

Focuses on challenging the existing constraints.

broaden the scope

Focuses on increasing the extent or range of something, rather than strictly limits.

extend the boundaries

Emphasizes making the edge or perimeter of something larger.

enlarge the parameters

Focuses on widening the set of rules or guidelines.

push the envelope

An idiomatic expression meaning to test or exceed accepted boundaries.

transcend limitations

Suggests overcoming or rising above existing limits.

break the mold

Suggests departing from established patterns or conventions.

raise the bar

Implies setting a higher standard or goal.

redefine the possible

Focuses on changing what is considered achievable.

increase the capacity

Focuses on improving its ability to contain or produce.

FAQs

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

You can use "expand the limits" to describe efforts to increase the scope or potential of something. For example, "Scientists are working to expand the limits of human knowledge" or "The company aims to expand the limits of its market reach".

What are some synonyms for "expand the limits"?

Alternatives to "expand the limits" include "broaden the scope", "extend the boundaries", or "push the boundaries" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "expand the limits" or "expanding the limits"?

Both "expand the limits" and "expanding the limits" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Expand the limits" is an infinitive phrase, often used after verbs like "to try", "to want", or "to need". "Expanding the limits" is a gerund phrase, which can function as a noun.

How does "expand the limits" differ from "increase the capacity"?

"Expand the limits" typically refers to pushing the boundaries of what is possible or known, while "increase the capacity" specifically relates to enhancing the ability to contain or produce something. The choice depends on whether you're referring to broadening scope or enhancing functional capability.