limits of possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limits of possibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the outermost boundary of something that could be achievable. For example, "We pushed our project to the limits of possibility to ensure the best results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In which case, what are the limits of possibility in this tweaking of our online environment?

The Guardian - Tech

Everywhere one turned in the newly resurgent Rwanda, the complexities of officially imposed unity seemed to test the limits of possibility.

The New Yorker

Certainly, Clarke's imagination was magical, carrying him beyond the limits of possibility: his greatness was and remains that, from his almost Olympian heights, he could see more than ordinary men will ever see.

The Guardian - Books

Everything moves immensely faster today than it did in, say, 1800, and instruments (the term now including computers and music-creation programs) that push the limits of possibility today may well be landfill three years from now.

The New York Times - Arts

He is trying to take the himself and the car to the very limits of possibility.

BBC

This allows for a freer handling of counterfactual possibilities, an important feature in any refiguring of the limits of possibility.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The main message of our work is that topological interactions encode the shape of the nullclines, which in turn determines the limits of possibilities.

BMC Systems Biology

Consequently, the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock requires extensive knowledge and often reaches the limits of possibilities in the ICU.

Critical Care

They do not ask enough of life; they seek security which, really, is the limiting of possibility.

The New Yorker

For smooth and fast process, lots of design alternatives are provided within the limit of possibility and they must be evaluated appropriately.

Automation in Construction

No one can decide for him at what point, on each occasion, lies the extreme limit of possibility for his persistence in the preservation and furtherance of life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing innovation or pushing boundaries, use "limits of possibility" to highlight the ambition and extent of exploration. For example, "The research team aimed to redefine the limits of possibility in renewable energy."

Common error

Avoid using "limits of possibility" hyperbolically. Ensure that the context genuinely involves pushing against significant constraints, and not merely standard project challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limits of possibility" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes the furthest extent or boundary of what can be achieved or imagined. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase has a wide scope of usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "limits of possibility" refers to the boundaries of what can be achieved or imagined, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and most often appears in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is a useful way to discuss innovation and strategic planning. Keep in mind that while it is correct to use this term, don't overstate how relevant it is to the topic you are writing about!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bounds of possibility

Replaces "limits" with "bounds", emphasizing a boundary that cannot be crossed.

boundaries of possibility

Similar to "bounds", "boundaries" also suggests a defining line for what's achievable.

scope of possibility

Focuses on the extent or range of what is possible, rather than a hard limit.

realm of the possible

Shifts from 'possibility' as a quality to 'the possible' as a domain or area.

art of the possible

This phrase refers to the skill of judging what is achievable in politics or negotiation.

potential limitations

Inverts the focus to the limitations on potential, rather than the limits of possibility itself.

feasibility constraints

Emphasizes the restrictions on what is practical or feasible.

maximum potential

Focuses on the highest level of achievement, implying an inherent limit.

outer bounds of expectation

Shifts the focus to what is expected rather than what is strictly possible.

theoretical maximum

Implies a limit set by theory, rather than practical considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "limits of possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "limits of possibility" to describe efforts that stretch the boundaries of what is achievable, such as in the sentence, "The engineering team constantly tests the "limits of possibility" with each new design."

What are some alternatives to saying "limits of possibility"?

Alternatives include "bounds of possibility", "boundaries of possibility", or "scope of possibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "limits of possibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "limits of possibility" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing research, innovation, or strategic planning. However, ensure the context warrants its use and isn't overly dramatic.

What is the difference between "limits of possibility" and "potential limitations"?

"Limits of possibility" refers to the furthest extent something can be achieved, while "potential limitations" refers to factors that could hinder progress or success. They address different aspects of a situation.