outer limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outer limits" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the boundaries or boundaries of something, or the maximum or extreme extent of something. Example: "The company pushed the outer limits of ethical business practices, causing controversy among consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MIDNIGHT (5) THE OUTER LIMITS -- "The Tribunal".

The New York Times

Do say Pushes art's political potential to the outer limits.

The Guardian

Shall we listen to their track Outer Limits?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A festival of jazz and improvisation's outer limits.

The New York Times

The Turbo S is still not near its outer limits.

Independent

Membranes surround and define the outer limits of enveloped viruses.

The Membranes of Cells

Last year, 24-inch wheels seemed to mark the outer limits.

The New York Times

The difficult judgments [are] about where the outer limits of that are".

The Guardian

Germany's grand, elegantly captivating project found its outer limits at the Stade Vélodrome.

The Guardian - Sport

We can deploy measuring systems at the outer limits of understanding.

The Guardian - Opinion

But last week, the Bush campaign took that tendency to the outer limits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outer limits" when discussing the maximum extent or boundaries of something, whether physical, conceptual, or metaphorical. For example: "The experiment pushed the outer limits of scientific understanding."

Common error

Avoid using "outer limits" when referring to minor or insignificant boundaries. This phrase implies a significant or substantial boundary, not a trivial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outer limits" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig indicates, it generally denotes boundaries or maximum extents, often used in abstract contexts. The examples Ludwig provides showcase its versatility in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outer limits" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase, primarily functioning to describe the maximum extent or boundaries of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, reflecting a neutral register adaptable to both formal and informal communication. When using "outer limits", ensure it accurately reflects significant boundaries, and consider synonyms like "extreme boundaries" or "ultimate limits" for nuanced expression. In summary, "outer limits" remains a robust and valuable component of the English language, effectively conveying the concept of pushing beyond conventional boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outer boundaries

A direct synonym focusing on the external boundary.

ultimate limits

Focuses on the final, unsurpassable nature of the limits.

absolute boundaries

This emphasizes the definitive and unyielding nature of the limits.

maximum extent

Emphasizes the greatest possible degree or scope.

extreme boundaries

Highlights the extremity and potential difficulty in reaching those boundaries.

furthest extents

This emphasizes distance and the idea of something being stretched to its maximum.

farthest reaches

This suggests exploration or extension to the most distant points.

peripheral boundaries

Suggests limits that are on the edge or periphery.

the edge of possibility

Focuses on the limits of what is achievable or feasible.

confines

Emphasizes the restrictive nature of the limits or boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "outer limits" in a sentence?

You can use "outer limits" to describe the furthest extent or boundary of something. For example: "The athlete pushed himself to the "outer limits" of his endurance."

What are some synonyms for "outer limits"?

Alternatives to "outer limits" include "extreme boundaries", "farthest reaches", or "ultimate limits", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the outer limit" instead of "outer limits"?

While "outer limit" can be used, "outer limits" is more common when referring to a general concept of maximum extent or boundaries. "Outer limit" is better suited for describing a single, specific boundary.

In what contexts is "outer limits" most appropriately used?

"Outer limits" is suitable for describing situations involving boundaries, extremes, or the furthest extents of something, often in contexts related to science, technology, or human potential.