is at its limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at its limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has reached its maximum capacity or threshold. Example: "The patience of the team is at its limit after the constant delays in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Munich has said that it is at its "limit", after the refugee crisis has sent a huge influx of migrants into southern Germany.

Independent

"It could be that the biosphere is at its limit but we cannot tell that at the moment".

BBC

"Our patience is at its limit.

The New York Times

By that estimate, the jobless rate is at its limit.

The Economist

But transmission is at its limit because some transmission lines are saturated.

The New York Times

However, with the 1 min temporal resolution coupled to the small (20 50 μM), rapid decreases in brain glucose, the temporal resolution of rsMD is at its limit.

ACS Chemical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We argue here that the present analysis paradigm in quantitative genetics is at its limits in regards to unraveling complex traits and it is necessary to re-evaluate the direction that genetic research is taking for the field to realize its full potential.

Trends in Genetics

The Astra has grip to spare, but when the overmatched engine is at its limits in corners, the tires still aren't breaking a sweat.

The New York Times

Keep in mind: Some commercial steamers heat up the milk so quickly that you'll need to remove the milk from the steamer about 10º F before it's at its limit in order to keep it from scalding.

WikiHow

In January, Ikea said the appetite of western consumers for home furnishings had reached its peak and consumption of many familiar goods was at its limit.

The Guardian

Woodcrest, for instance, has been at its limit of 600 families for two years, and this summer 25 families are on the waiting list.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is at its limit", consider the specific context to choose a more descriptive alternative if appropriate. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes be vague.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is at its limit" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at its limit" functions as a predicative expression, typically following a subject and a linking verb (such as "is"). It describes the state or condition of the subject as having reached its maximum capacity or threshold. As seen in Ludwig, it's used across various contexts to indicate a boundary or constraint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is at its limit" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe something that has reached its maximum capacity or threshold. Ludwig's examples reveal its use in various contexts, from news reports about cities reaching their refugee capacity to scientific discussions about technical limitations. While generally considered neutral in register, more precise alternatives may be preferred in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests considering the specific context to enhance clarity. Related phrases such as ""has reached its peak"" or ""is at full capacity"" may provide more descriptive options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has reached its peak

Focuses on the idea of reaching the highest point or maximum level.

is at full capacity

Emphasizes the state of being completely filled or utilized.

has reached saturation point

Highlights the point where no more can be absorbed or tolerated.

is stretched to its breaking point

Suggests a state of near collapse or failure due to excessive strain.

is nearing its end

Focuses on the idea of something coming to a close or termination.

is close to exhaustion

Highlights depletion of resources or energy.

is maxed out

Informal expression for reaching the maximum limit.

can't take any more

Expresses inability to accept or handle additional load.

is operating at its maximum potential

Highlights that the thing is working with all resources available.

is approaching its maximum

Focuses on reaching the boundary level, but not yet hit.

FAQs

How can I use "is at its limit" in a sentence?

You can use "is at its limit" to describe a situation where something has reached its maximum capacity or threshold. For example, "The city's resources are at its limit due to the increased population."

What are some alternatives to "is at its limit"?

Alternatives include "has reached its peak", "is at full capacity", or "has reached saturation point" depending on the specific context.

Is "is at its limit" formal or informal?

"Is at its limit" is generally considered neutral, but it's better suited for less formal contexts. In academic or professional writing, consider using more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "is at its limit" and "is approaching its limit"?

"Is at its limit" indicates that something has already reached its maximum capacity, while "is approaching its maximum" suggests that something is nearing its maximum but hasn't reached it yet.