limit of viability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limit of viability" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or biological contexts to refer to the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb. Example: "The doctors discussed the limit of viability for premature infants, emphasizing the importance of providing care before that threshold."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We are fast approaching the absolute limit of viability.

The Guardian

French winemakers are always pushing the limit of viability.

The New Yorker

The most precarious are born at the margin of life: somewhere between 23 and 26 weeks of gestation, or what's called the limit of viability.

The New York Times - Health

What is the limit of viability?Babies born before they have spent 37 weeks in the womb are classified as premature.

The Economist

The results raise questions about the so-called "limit of viability", which refers to the minimum age at which a baby can survive outside the womb.

The Economist

Gorillas, they suggest, already live on the limit of viability, foraging and eating for 8.8 hours a day, and in extreme conditions increasing this to as much as 10 hours a day.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Conclusion: Hospital neonatal survival rates of infants at the limits of viability are significantly lower with the inclusion of fetal deaths.

The Journal of Pediatrics

As the limits of viability in premature infants have been pushed to lower gestational ages, the long-term impact of prematurity on kidneys still remains a significant burden during hospital stay and beyond.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Based on evaluations of CCA and CCP for selected industrial reactions, we have grouped catalysts from the case studies according to viability, allowing the identification of general limits of viability based on CCA and CCP.

Chinese Journal of Catalysis

Calculating the CCA and CCP and their comparing with the general limits of viability provides researchers with a novel framework for evaluating whether the cost or physical availability of a new catalyst could be limiting.

Chinese Journal of Catalysis

The present study is a histologic analysis of an postmortem examination series of brains collected from neonates born between 23 weeks gestation and term and is designed to determine if subependymal veins can be recognized in neonates born at the limits of viability, approximately 23 weeks gestation.

Pediatric Neurology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "limit of viability" when discussing the ethical and medical considerations surrounding premature births or end-of-life care decisions. It provides a precise and commonly understood reference point.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "limit of viability" guarantees survival. It represents a threshold where survival becomes possible, not assured. Always acknowledge the risks and uncertainties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limit of viability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to identify a critical threshold, particularly in medical and biological contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its use in discussions about premature births and ecological systems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limit of viability" is a noun phrase primarily used in scientific and medical contexts to define the boundary at which survival becomes possible, as confirmed by Ludwig. It frequently appears in discussions related to premature births and ecological concerns. While grammatically correct, its usage carries significant emotional weight, especially in medical scenarios. Ludwig provides examples showing usage across different contexts, including scientific publications and news articles. Alternatives like "viability threshold" can be used depending on the specific context, but it's essential to acknowledge the risks and uncertainties involved when discussing this term. "Limit of viability" aims to define a boundary rather than ensure a certain outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

viability threshold

Focuses on the threshold aspect rather than a strict limit.

age of viability

Specifies the age at which viability is possible, particularly in the context of premature births.

gestational limit of survival

Highlights the gestational age and the survival aspect.

threshold of survival

Emphasizes the survival threshold, offering a slightly different perspective.

margin of viability

Suggests a range or margin rather than a fixed limit.

point of fetal survival

Focuses specifically on fetal survival rather than general viability.

earliest gestational age for survival

Specifies the earliest age at which survival is possible.

lower bound of fetal survival

Emphasizes the lower boundary or limit for fetal survival.

minimum age for extrauterine survival

Focuses on survival outside the uterus and the minimum age required.

boundary of independent existence

Describes the point at which an organism can exist independently.

FAQs

How is the phrase "limit of viability" typically used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "limit of viability" refers to the earliest gestational age at which a fetus has a chance of surviving outside the womb, typically around 22 to 24 weeks.

What factors influence the "limit of viability" in premature infants?

Factors influencing the "limit of viability" include gestational age, birth weight, access to advanced neonatal care, and the absence of severe congenital anomalies.

Is there a legal definition of "limit of viability", and how does it impact abortion laws?

The "limit of viability" is a key factor in abortion laws, with many regulations restricting abortions after the point at which a fetus could survive outside the womb. The exact gestational age varies by jurisdiction.

What are some alternative phrases to "limit of viability" that still convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives such as "viability threshold", "age of viability", or "threshold of survival" depending on the specific context.