limit of endurance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limit of endurance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a point at which something or someone can no longer tolerate or bear something, such as pain, difficulty, or unpleasantness. For example, "The grueling hike pushed them to the limit of endurance, and they had to stop and rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Keep going to the limit of endurance.

Independent

That might be the limit of endurance for the dividends.

The Guardian - Business

For those who had reached the limit of endurance, violent insurrection was the answer.

Cornell University

Stress ratio is the major fatigue parameter, R= 0.125 is a limit of endurance for transverse southern DPPW.

Composite Structures

The photographs, often yellow with age, and the accompanying journal entries provide vivid testimony of lives pushed to the limit of endurance.

The New York Times - Arts

After the marathoners turned the tight corner at Columbus Circle and funneled into a fenced corridor toward the finish in Central Park, they were confronted with more than their own limit of endurance.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Then I became interested in the limits of endurance.

The New Yorker

Pounding beyond the limits of endurance, in the most un-ladylike race ever devised.

The Guardian

Carmichael takes the same radical approach to the physical limits of endurance.

The New Yorker

In exploring the outer limits of endurance, did Worsley not realize he'd surpassed his own?

The Guardian

Parker found the limits of endurance and staggered right through them.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical challenges, use "limit of endurance" to convey the point at which someone's body can no longer continue without rest or injury. For example, "The marathon tested the runners' limit of endurance."

Common error

Be precise when using "limit of endurance". It often refers to a tangible threshold, such as physical stamina. For psychological strain, consider using phrases like "breaking point" or "mental capacity" to better reflect the nature of the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limit of endurance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'to the limit of endurance') or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limit of endurance" refers to the point at which someone or something can no longer withstand hardship, stress, or exertion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While grammatically straightforward, its usage varies across contexts, ranging from describing physical challenges in sports to conveying the strain on communities in crisis. Alternatives include "breaking point" and "outer limits". When using "limit of endurance", be mindful of the specific context and whether it accurately reflects a tangible, measurable threshold or a more abstract psychological boundary. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outer limits

Similar to "limit of endurance", this refers to the boundaries beyond which something becomes impossible or unsustainable, stressing the remoteness or extremity of the situation.

absolute limit

This highlights the definitive nature of the boundary, suggesting that it cannot be surpassed under any circumstances.

breaking point

This alternative refers to the point at which someone or something can no longer withstand pressure or stress, often implying a sudden collapse or failure.

end of one's rope

This idiom suggests reaching the limit of one's ability to cope with a difficult situation, often implying frustration and exhaustion.

withstanding capacity

Focuses on the ability to resist or endure something negative, be it physical or emotional.

utmost capacity

This alternative focuses on the maximum amount that something can contain or produce, highlighting the boundary of physical or mental capability.

degree of tolerance

This term emphasizes the level at which something can be borne or accepted, especially in the face of difficulty or pain.

maximum threshold

This phrase suggests a specific point beyond which something cannot be tolerated or exceeded, emphasizing the measurable aspect of the limit.

furthest extent

This phrase refers to the greatest degree or distance to which something can reach, emphasizing the scope or range of endurance.

terminal point

This suggests the final stage or endpoint, highlighting the conclusion of one's ability to endure.

FAQs

How can I use "limit of endurance" in a sentence?

You can use "limit of endurance" to describe the point at which someone or something can no longer withstand a challenge, such as in the sentence, "The soldiers were pushed to the "limit of endurance" during the training exercise."

What's a good alternative to "limit of endurance"?

Alternatives include "breaking point", "outer limits", or "utmost capacity", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'the limits of endurance' instead of "limit of endurance"?

Both "limit of endurance" and "the limits of endurance" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Limit of endurance" refers to a general threshold, while "the limits of endurance" suggests exploring or reaching those boundaries.

What does "limit of endurance" mean in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, "limit of endurance" typically refers to the maximum amount of stress, exertion, or deprivation that a subject can withstand before experiencing failure, injury, or death. Studies often explore the factors influencing the "limit of endurance" in various conditions.