extend the limits of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extend the limits of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about increasing or expanding the range or scope of something or someone. For example, "The new research will extend the limits of what we currently understand about the human brain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Tech

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

Developers have continued to extend the limits of downtown, moving inland with their projects, surrounding new light rail and PATH train stops with shiny new commuter havens.

The New York Times

Small latex balloons were routinely carrying light loads to much greater heights, and Piccard postulated that with a cluster of these he could extend the limits of ballooning.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In order to detect this small amount of circulating DNA, multiple PCR replicates are used to extend the limit of detection of the assay beyond that of a single PCR reaction.

Gut

"But we have to, so we have extended the limits of our tolerance".

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet another way to cultivate the dimension of time is by extending the limits of the growing season.

The New York Times

In response to the serious flood disaster of 1998, the central and local governments launched several projects aimed at soil and water conservation, extending the limits of the lake, and reinforcement of the banks around the lake.

Britannica

The preheat temperature of the reactants was shown to have little impact on syngas yields beyond extending the limits of stable operation.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extend the limits of" when you want to emphasize expanding the range, scope, or capabilities of something, whether it's a physical object, a concept, or an ability. For example, "New technologies extend the limits of what's possible in medical treatment".

Common error

Avoid using "extend the limits of" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more specific verb phrase would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying, "We need to extend the limits of our thinking", try "We need to rethink our approach" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extend the limits of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of expanding the scope, range, or capacity of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from technology to human potential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extend the limits of" is a versatile expression used to convey the expansion of boundaries, capabilities, or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid and usable phrase. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, focus on using it in contexts where you want to highlight advancements, innovation, or pushing beyond current constraints. While semantically close alternatives such as "expand the boundaries of" or "broaden the scope of" exist, each carries slightly different connotations. By being aware of these subtle differences, you can use "extend the limits of" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand the boundaries of

Replaces "limits" with "boundaries", emphasizing physical or conceptual borders.

broaden the scope of

Uses "scope" to focus on the range or extent of something.

push the boundaries of

Emphasizes exceeding current limitations through effort or innovation.

increase the reach of

Highlights making something more accessible or influential.

expand the parameters of

Focuses on broadening the defining characteristics or conditions.

enlarge the confines of

Similar to expand but focusing on the space or area something occupies.

augment the range of

Highlights increasing the variety or extent of something measurable.

stretch the capabilities of

Focuses on enhancing what someone or something is able to do.

maximize the potential of

Shifts the focus to fully realizing inherent possibilities.

deepen the understanding of

Emphasizes a more thorough or profound comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "extend the limits of" in a sentence?

Use "extend the limits of" to describe expanding the scope, range, or capabilities of something. For instance, "This research aims to "extend the limits of" our understanding of the universe".

What are some alternatives to "extend the limits of"?

You can use alternatives like "expand the boundaries of", "broaden the scope of", or "push the boundaries of" depending on the specific context.

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

While "extends the limit of" is grammatically correct in certain contexts, ""extend the limits of"" is more common and generally preferred when referring to expanding the overall scope or capabilities of something. The singular form focuses on a single, specific limit.

What is the difference between "extend the limits of" and "extend the boundaries of"?

"Extend the limits of" often refers to expanding capabilities or possibilities, while "extend the boundaries of" typically refers to expanding physical or conceptual borders. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing capacity or defined borders.