not without limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not without limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has boundaries or restrictions, even if those limits are not immediately apparent. Example: "Her patience is not without limit, and she will eventually reach a breaking point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But not without limit.

The Economist

However, Congress's powers of oversight is not without limit.

The New York Times

Ranching can go further profitably, but not without limit.

The Economist

While Jewish tradition affirms the right to self-defence, it is not without limit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The failure of the inter-order transfer of the non-male-killing A. pisum symbiont suggests that Spiroplasma tolerance to novel host environments is not without limit.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But his gratitude is not without limits.

The New York Times

AS with most stars, Mr. Cruise's talent is not without limits.

The New York Times

McIlroy, 24, is quick with a smile, but his affability is not without limits.

The New York Times - Sports

"Indonesia's freedom is not without limits," an Indonesian Ulema Council official, Asrorun Niam, told Agence France-Presse.

The New York Times

"We want to send a message to European citizens that our labor market is not without limits," she said.

The New York Times

It was a warning that the new freedoms were not without limits, even though the limits might be difficult to define.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without limit" to convey that while something is permitted or possible, it is subject to certain boundaries or restrictions. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not without limit" when you actually mean something is virtually unrestricted. Ensure the context clearly indicates the presence of real, enforceable boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without limit" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a preceding concept or action is subject to certain restrictions or boundaries. As Ludwig AI states, it correctly indicates the presence of limits. It tempers the idea of complete freedom or boundlessness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not without limit" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for conveying that something has boundaries or restrictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to qualify a statement, indicating that while something might be present or permitted, it is subject to certain constraints. It appears primarily in news and scientific contexts and has a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, its precise meaning makes it valuable in situations where nuanced communication is necessary. Related phrases include "subject to limitations" and "bounded in some respects", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to limitations

Replaces the idiomatic phrasing with a more direct statement about restrictions.

not entirely unbounded

Emphasizes the lack of complete freedom or boundlessness.

with certain restrictions

Highlights the presence of specific constraints.

bounded in some respects

Focuses on the limited nature of something in particular areas.

containing some constraints

Points out the existence of limitations that affect something.

finite rather than infinite

Contrasts the concept with the idea of being limitless.

not devoid of restrictions

Highlights the unavoidable presence of controls.

limited in scope

Focuses on restricting the range or extent of something.

not a free-for-all

An informal expression emphasizing the need for regulation.

with inherent limitations

Stresses that limits are a fundamental part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "not without limit" in a sentence?

You can use "not without limit" to indicate that something, while present or allowed, has certain restrictions or boundaries. For instance, "Freedom of speech is "not without limit"; it does not protect hate speech."

What phrases are similar to "not without limit"?

Similar phrases include "subject to limitations", "bounded in some respects", or "with certain restrictions". All convey the idea that something is not entirely unrestricted.

Is it correct to say "not without limit"?

Yes, "not without limit" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase. It's used to express that something has boundaries or is not entirely free or unbounded.

When should I use "not without limit" instead of "unlimited"?

Use "not without limit" when you want to acknowledge that something exists or is permitted, but also emphasize that it's subject to certain constraints or boundaries. "Unlimited" implies no restrictions at all.