extend the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

"extend the limit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to increasing the maximum amount of something or allowing someone to do something for longer than is normally allowed. For example, "The company decided to extend the limit on how much employees can spend on business trips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Has the government tried to extend the limit before?

The Guardian

It's unlikely that they'll be unlimited challenges, but maybe we are looking to extend the limit.

The Guardian - Sport

November 5 2007: Tony McNulty, the Home Office minister, says that the government wants to extend the limit, "probably" to 56 days.

The Guardian

But the board decided this month to extend the limit to two years for all shareholders and up to three years in the event of hardship.

The New York Times

Warnock warns that opponents of embryo research will seize on attempts to extend the limit as an opportunity to place the whole practice in jeopardy.

The Guardian

An attempt by his predecessor to extend the limit to 90 days earned Tony Blair one of his two parliamentary defeats.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Two new ARG's that appeared last month promise to extend the limits of the genre.

The New York Times - Tech

"Everything is nano and we can use nanoparticles to extend the limits.

The New York Times

Novel device architectures and materials are required to extend the limits of ULSI microelectronics.

Solid-State Electronics

Our research combines electrical engineering, physics, and materials science and helps extend the limits of nanoscale engineering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The zones are uneven because these kinds of local shelter conditions may extend the limits of each zone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing regulations or rules, clarify the original limit before explaining how it's being extended. This provides necessary context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "extend the limit" in situations where "exceed" or "surpass" would be more accurate. "Extend" implies a formal adjustment, not simply going beyond a set boundary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extend the limit" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe the action of increasing or prolonging a restriction, boundary, or duration. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to increasing the maximum amount of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extend the limit" is a valid and frequently used phrase that means to increase or prolong a defined restriction or boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase used to refer to increasing the maximum amount of something. Analysis of various sources reveals it is common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the original limit and avoid substituting it with similar terms like "exceed" unless an official adjustment is intended. Remember that while this phrase can apply to a range of scenarios, precision and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand the boundary

Refers to making the boundary or border of something larger.

stretch the deadline

Focuses on giving more time to complete something.

prolong the duration

Focuses on making the length of time that something lasts longer.

elongate the period

Similar to prolong the duration, but more formal.

increase the scope

Emphasizes making the extent of an activity or topic greater.

expand the confines

Implies enlarging the area or space something occupies.

broaden the restriction

Highlights widening the application of a rule or limitation, though it implies a less direct semantic relationship.

lengthen the lease

Specific to making a rental agreement last longer.

amplify the allowance

Implies increasing a permitted quantity or amount.

push the envelope

Idiomatic expression meaning to exceed current boundaries or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "extend the limit" in a sentence?

You can use "extend the limit" to describe prolonging a duration or increasing a maximum quantity. For example, "The company decided to "extend the limit" on vacation days".

What is a good alternative to "extend the limit"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "expand the boundary", "prolong the duration", or "increase the scope".

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

"Extend the limit" is appropriate when you're discussing a formal or official increase in a restriction or boundary. It implies a deliberate action to make something larger or longer.

Is there a difference between "extend the limit" and "exceed the limit"?

Yes, "extend the limit" means to officially increase the limit, while "exceed the limit" means to go beyond the existing limit, often without permission or authorization.