over the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something has exceeded a previously established limit or boundary. For example, "I'm afraid you're over the limit when it comes to how much you can spend on this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was the first event promoted under the Over the Limit name.

Wikipedia

To go over the limit.

Independent

Anything over the limit isn't food.

Independent

I pushed over the limit.

The Guardian - Sport

That was over the limit.

The Guardian

It's never over the limit".

The New York Times

over the limit before giving a ticket.

The New York Times

over the limit, $98 for 15 to 19 m.p.h.

The New York Times

over the limit and $193 for 20 to 24 m.p.h.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Penalty fees include late and over-the-limit fees.

WikiHow

Over-the-limit fees are charged if you exceed your line of credit.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider using adverbs like "well" or "far" before "over the limit" to stress the degree of excess.

Common error

Avoid using "over the limit" when referring to abstract or subjective boundaries. The phrase works best when there's a defined, measurable threshold that has been exceeded. For instance, saying "His anger was over the limit" is less effective than "His anger was beyond acceptable levels".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the limit" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate that a boundary or restriction has been surpassed. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the limit" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that a boundary or restriction has been exceeded. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various situations. When writing, be mindful of using it with defined, measurable thresholds to avoid contextual misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like ""beyond acceptable levels"" or "exceeding capacity" depending on the context. Finally, this phrase is helpful in clarifying when something has surpassed an established maximum or permissible level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above the threshold

Highlights surpassing a specific level or point of entry, often in a technical or scientific context.

surpassing the maximum

Highlights exceeding the highest permissible limit, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

exceeding capacity

Focuses on surpassing a measurable limit, typically in a physical or quantitative sense.

beyond acceptable levels

Indicates exceeding a tolerable or permissible range, suitable for formal or technical settings.

out of bounds

Indicates violating a set of rules or restrictions, particularly in sports or games.

beyond the pale

Indicates something is unacceptable or outrageous, shifting the context towards ethical or moral boundaries.

gone too far

Implies exceeding a boundary of appropriateness or acceptability, often in interpersonal situations.

in excess

Implies a quantity or degree that is more than necessary or permitted, suitable for formal writing.

past the breaking point

Emphasizes reaching a point of failure or collapse, suggesting a limit of endurance.

pushed too hard

Suggests exceeding a limit of effort or pressure, often in a work or performance context.

FAQs

How can I use "over the limit" in a sentence?

You can use "over the limit" to indicate exceeding a specific boundary or restriction. For example, "The driver was "driving over the limit"" or "The budget was "way over the limit"".

What is a good alternative to "over the limit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "beyond acceptable levels", "exceeding capacity", or "gone too far".

Is it correct to say "above the limit" instead of "over the limit"?

While both phrases are understandable, "above the limit" often implies a position or level that is higher, whereas "over the limit" more directly suggests exceeding a maximum or permitted level.

What's the difference between "approaching the limit" and "over the limit"?

"Approaching the limit" means getting close to a boundary, while "over the limit" signifies that the boundary has already been exceeded.