limited reach

USAGE SUMMARY

"limited reach" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has a restricted scope or range, for example: "This policy has a limited reach and does not provide the protection we need".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet despite their limited reach vouchers are controversial.

The Economist

Political histories, platforms, and objectives have extremely limited reach.

The New York Times

"This strike has had a limited reach," she said.

The New York Times

Few had access to the service, given Aereo's limited reach.

The Economist

But both tools have a very limited reach.

The New York Times

His one problem was the limited reach of his reputation.

The New Yorker

Those who argued against repeal point to the limited reach of the estate tax.

The New York Times

Academic feminism was, and is, a limited field with limited reach and an inaccessible language.

The Guardian

His latest article is "The Limited Reach of Authoritarian Powers," (Democratization 2017).

The Washington Post

They were realistic, too, about the limited reach of one state law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, Corteville says he sees promise in Google's approach if the company can expand its still-limited reach among broadcasters.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effectiveness of a program or initiative, use "limited reach" to honestly assess its actual impact without exaggerating its benefits.

Common error

Avoid using "limited reach" when the core issue is a lack of aspiration or strategic vision, rather than an actual constraint on scope or impact. "Limited ambition" or "lack of vision" are more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited reach" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing the extent or scope of something. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, highlighting its role in defining boundaries or constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "limited reach" is a versatile phrase employed to describe something with a restricted scope or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources—including news outlets, scientific publications, and business reports—underscore its reliability. While alternatives like "restricted scope" or "narrow scope" may be used depending on the context, "limited reach" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to communicate that something's impact is not widespread. When using it, be mindful of whether you are truly discussing limited scope or if the underlying issue is a lack of ambition or vision, which requires a different phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricted scope

Emphasizes the bounded or narrow extent of something.

narrow scope

Similar to restricted scope, but can imply a deliberate limitation.

finite extent

Highlights that the reach is measurable and not expansive.

confined range

Suggests that the reach is physically or conceptually enclosed.

localized impact

Focuses on the reach being concentrated in a specific area.

reduced influence

Highlights that the reach is about the amount of influence that something has.

circumscribed effect

Indicates that the reach or impact is carefully controlled or bounded.

controlled accessibility

Emphasizes that access is deliberately restricted.

small impact

Highlights that the reach is about the amount of impact that something has.

localized influence

Highlights that the reach is about the amount of influence that something has.

FAQs

How can I use "limited reach" in a sentence?

You can use "limited reach" to describe something that doesn't affect many people or have broad influence. For instance, "The program's "limited reach" is due to a lack of funding".

What's a good alternative to "limited reach"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "restricted scope", "narrow scope", or "finite extent" as alternatives to "limited reach".

Is it better to say "limited reach" or "small impact"?

While similar, "limited reach" refers more to the extent of something's influence or coverage, whereas "small impact" emphasizes the degree of effect. The choice depends on whether you're focusing on scope or consequence.

Can "limited reach" be a positive thing?

While typically used negatively to point out shortcomings, "limited reach" can sometimes be positive if a targeted approach is desired. However, more precise terms like "localized impact" may be more suitable.