go over the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

"go over the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone has exceeded a certain restriction. For example, "As a result of the budget cuts, each department was asked to stay under a certain amount, but one team went over the limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

To go over the limit.

Independent

What happens if you go over the limit?

The New York Times

Sometimes you go over the limit and sometimes you just make it".

The New York Times - Sports

But the district could go over the limit set by the cap with the approval of 60 percent of voters.

The New York Times

I had things under control; I didn't have to go over the limit, just drive as fast as possible".

The Guardian - Sport

If you go over the limit on the DataPlus plan, another 200 megabytes costs an additional $15, while DataPro customers pay $10 for each extra gigabyte of data.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The North Sea cod quotas imposed to save cod from extinction mean they can average only 1 kilo of cod per boat per day, about a fish each, before going over the limit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Businesses increasingly recognise that emissions reductions will need to be ambitious, because going over the 2C warming limit is not a viable economic option.

The Guardian

Customers who go over the limits on the costlier plans are charged $10 for each extra gigabyte.

The New York Times - Tech

Research, go over the limits and learn.

WikiHow

And when being sassy, don't be afraid to go over the limits.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "going over the limit" to depict a character's reckless abandon or their willingness to disregard rules for a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid using "go over the limit" in situations where a slight exceeding of a boundary is acceptable. The phrase often implies a negative consequence or a breach of protocol.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go over the limit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of exceeding a pre-defined boundary or threshold. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go over the limit" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe exceeding a defined boundary, according to Ludwig. Its meaning encompasses various contexts, from data usage to behavioral norms. While typically implying negative consequences, its precise connotation is context-dependent. Ludwig examples show frequent use in news, media, and informal settings. Related phrases include "exceed the limit" and "cross the line", offering nuanced alternatives. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of surpassing a restriction or boundary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the limit

Formal alternative that focuses on surpassing a defined maximum or boundary.

surpass the limit

Similar to "exceed the limit" but emphasizes moving beyond the limit.

cross the line

Figurative expression implying unacceptable behavior or actions.

break the barrier

Suggests overcoming a significant obstacle or restriction.

overstep the bounds

Implies exceeding the acceptable limits of behavior or authority.

go too far

Indicates exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate.

transgress the bounds

A more formal way of saying "overstep the bounds."

push the envelope

Implies testing the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable.

overreach oneself

Indicates attempting something beyond one's capabilities or authority.

exceed expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated levels of performance or achievement. It's different because it is about success instead of limits.

FAQs

What does it mean to "go over the limit"?

To "go over the limit" means to exceed a set boundary, restriction, or maximum allowable amount. This can apply to various contexts, such as data usage, spending, speed limits, or acceptable behavior.

What are some synonyms for "go over the limit"?

Alternatives include "exceed the limit", "surpass the limit", "cross the line", or "overstep the bounds", depending on the context.

How can I use "go over the limit" in a sentence?

You might say, "If you download too many videos, you'll "go over the limit" on your data plan." Or, "His behavior at the party "went over the limit" and offended several guests."

Is it always bad to "go over the limit"?

Usually, "going over the limit" implies a negative consequence or breaking a rule. However, in some contexts, like pushing personal boundaries in sports or art, it can suggest innovation or excellence, although this usage is less common.