limiting principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limiting principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a rule or guideline that restricts or defines the boundaries of a particular situation or concept. Example: "The court established a limiting principle to ensure that future cases would not exceed the boundaries set by this ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But where's the limiting principle?

The Washington Post

Justices demanded a limiting principle: Where does this authority end?

The Washington Post

But restraint needs a limiting principle, lest it become abdication.

The Washington Post

They doubt that there is any limiting principle.

The New York Times

Other justices pressed Mr. Stewart for a limiting principle to his argument.

The New York Times

"Is there any limiting principle out there that would ever kick in?" Justice O'Connor asked.

The New York Times

"There is no limiting principle" to the state's position, he said.

The New York Times

"The interpretation the government asks us to adopt defies any limiting principle", the court writes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Charles Fried: First of all, the limiting principle point kind of begs the question.

The Washington Post

EK: It seemed at times that Verrilli was struggling to articulate a limiting principle.

The Washington Post

It is this second component, the necessity for a limiting principle, that underlies this case.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When arguing a point, especially in legal or philosophical contexts, explicitly state the "limiting principle" to avoid accusations of overreach or creating unintended consequences.

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad arguments. Always articulate a specific "limiting principle" to ensure your claims are well-defined and not susceptible to misinterpretation or unintended applications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limiting principle" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific rule or guideline designed to constrain or define the scope of a broader concept or action. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to establish boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

34%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limiting principle" is a noun phrase denoting a rule or guideline that defines the boundaries of a concept or action. It is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in legal and academic contexts. As supported by Ludwig, its primary function is to ensure clarity and prevent overreach. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly articulate the principle to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "bounding rule" and "governing constraint". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bounding rule

Emphasizes the function of setting a boundary or limit.

governing constraint

Highlights the aspect of control and restriction.

restrictive condition

Focuses on the conditional and limiting nature.

defining boundary

Underscores the role of setting clear limits.

operative restriction

Stresses the active and functional limitation.

regulatory constraint

Emphasizes the imposed control.

controlling factor

Focuses on the element that influences or determines an outcome.

guiding parameter

Highlights the aspect of direction and limitation.

circumscribing element

Emphasizes the act of confining or restricting something.

delimiting factor

Focuses on the action of setting or marking limits.

FAQs

How is the "limiting principle" used in legal arguments?

In legal arguments, the "limiting principle" is used to define the scope and boundaries of a legal rule or principle. It helps ensure that the rule is applied consistently and prevents it from being expanded too broadly, potentially leading to unintended or unjust outcomes.

What's an example of a "limiting principle"?

A "limiting principle" could be that government regulation of interstate commerce, while broad, does not extend to compelling individuals to participate in commerce. It sets a boundary on the government's power.

What can I say instead of "limiting principle"?

You can use alternatives like "bounding rule", "governing constraint", or "restrictive condition" depending on the context.

Why is it important to have a "limiting principle"?

A "limiting principle" is crucial because it prevents a rule or concept from being applied too broadly, which could lead to absurd or unfair results. It provides a clear boundary and ensures that the application remains reasonable and consistent.