outside the limits of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside the limits of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is beyond a certain boundary or restriction, whether physical, conceptual, or metaphorical. Example: "The project aims to explore ideas that are outside the limits of traditional thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The differences are outside the limits of experimental and computational errors.

Polymer

A whole hierarchy of basins is found when the field is increased outside the limits of the initial basin.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

And now the object doesn't spread outside the limits of the frame, partly glimpsed and partly masked.

Independent

Groundwaters in the Galilee Basin recharge area (outside the limits of the GAB) are different to any groundwater within the GAB units.

Journal of Hydrology

We found that most problems originated outside the limits of the protected areas and were produced by drivers associated with economic factors and land use changes.

Ecosystem Services

According to the Code, "Even within the limits of pure love, certain facts have been universally regarded by lawmakers as outside the limits of safe presentation".

The New Yorker

One note: The Abadia Retuerta is technically just outside the limits of Ribera del Duero but is often included by virtue of proximity.

The New York Times - Food

"I don't think there's anything to gain in destroying the credibility of an institution, asking it to behave outside the limits of its mandate," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"I admit having taken large positions that could be qualified... as outside the limits of my mandate, and which I masked by a fictitious transaction.

The New Yorker

For the independent foundation is outside the limits of liability that arise for those projects that are affiliated with a province of the Islamic State.

The Guardian

It may be, the study said, that outside the limits of a school setting, children are even less physical and eat even worse.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outside the limits of", ensure the context clearly defines the limits being referenced. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "outside the limits of" without specifying what those limits are. For example, instead of saying "The idea was outside the limits of acceptable behavior", specify "The idea was outside the limits of acceptable behavior in a professional setting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the limits of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating that something is beyond a specified boundary, constraint, or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outside the limits of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something falls beyond a defined boundary or constraint. It is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig, and frequently used across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. When using the phrase, ensure the limits are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While acceptable in formal writing, alternatives like ""beyond the scope of"" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the scope of

Indicates a departure from a defined range or boundary; it's less about physical limits and more about conceptual or topical boundaries.

beyond the boundaries of

Similar to "outside the limits of", but emphasizes spatial or conceptual boundaries.

exceeding the bounds of

Highlights the act of surpassing established constraints or boundaries.

transcending the confines of

Emphasizes overcoming restrictions or limitations, often implying a sense of advancement or elevation.

in excess of

Focuses on surpassing a specific quantity or measurement.

not within the purview of

Refers to something not falling under someone's responsibility or authority.

independent of

Indicates a lack of dependence or connection to established limits or factors.

extraneous to

Describes something that is not essential or directly related to the main subject or area.

unconstrained by

Highlights the lack of restrictions or limitations imposed upon something.

irrespective of

Indicates that something is not affected by specific limits or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "outside the limits of" in a sentence?

You can use "outside the limits of" to describe something that goes beyond a certain boundary or restriction. For instance, "The research explored possibilities "beyond the scope of" traditional science".

What are some alternatives to "outside the limits of"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""beyond the scope of"", "exceeding the bounds of", or "transcending the confines of", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "beyond the scope of" or "outside the limits of"?

"Beyond the scope of" is generally considered more formal than "outside the limits of", though both are acceptable in formal writing. The choice depends on the specific tone and context of your writing.

What does it mean when something is described as "outside the limits of human understanding"?

It typically means that the concept or phenomenon is so complex, abstract, or profound that it cannot be fully grasped or comprehended by human intellect. It suggests that the subject is "beyond comprehension".