off-limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "off-limits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a place that is out of bounds or prohibited. For example: "The old factory is off-limits to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

An off-limits topic.

The Economist

It's strictly off-limits.

The New York Times - Books

Fighting, though, is off-limits.

The Economist

And those are sort of off-limits.

The New Yorker

Manufacturing doubt remained firmly off-limits.

The New York Times

The ministry itself is strictly off-limits.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

No, nothing's off limits.

The New Yorker

It's off limits.

The New York Times

Only politics was off limits.

The New York Times

Blood feuds are off limits.

The New York Times - Sports

Airplanes were strictly off limits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider synonyms like "prohibited" or "restricted" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "off-limits" when you mean something is simply difficult to achieve or unlikely. The phrase should strictly denote a prohibition, not a challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off-limits" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate that something is prohibited or restricted, as supported by Ludwig examples like "The pond was off-limits to swimmers." This aligns with Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "off-limits" is a commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something being restricted or prohibited. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and practical use. It is important to remember that the examples from Ludwig showcase its varied application in various contexts, from news and media to wikis. The semantic proximity of phrases such as "prohibited" or "restricted" offers alternative phrasing when seeking stylistic variation or formality. Finally, while "off-limits" is versatile, it should be reserved for situations of actual prohibition rather than mere difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of bounds

Replaces "off-limits" with a more sports-related term, implying a boundary that should not be crossed.

not allowed

A simple, direct way of saying something is not permitted.

prohibited

Offers a more formal synonym for "off-limits", suggesting something is officially forbidden.

restricted

Indicates that access or use is limited, rather than entirely forbidden.

no access

Emphasizes the lack of permission to enter or use something.

forbidden

A strong synonym, implying that something is not allowed, often due to rules or laws.

unauthorized

Suggests that access or use is not officially approved.

inaccessible

Focuses on the inability to reach or enter a place, rather than the rule against it.

closed to the public

Specifies that a place is not open for general use.

verboten

A German loanword that means strictly forbidden, adding a touch of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "off-limits" in a sentence?

You can use "off-limits" to indicate that a place, topic, or action is prohibited or restricted. For example, "The construction site is "off-limits" to the public" or "Personal questions are "off-limits" during the interview".

What's a more formal way to say "off-limits"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "prohibited" or "restricted". These alternatives are suitable for official documents or professional communication.

Is "off limits" one word or two?

"Off-limits" is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "off-limits area"). It can also be written as two words ("off limits") when used as a predicate adjective (e.g., "That area is off limits").

What's the difference between "restricted" and "off-limits"?

"Restricted" implies limited access or use, while "off-limits" indicates that something is completely forbidden. A restricted area might require special authorization, whereas an "off-limits" area is entirely inaccessible.