passed the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'passed the limits' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to mean exceeding the boundaries or limits of something or some idea. For example: "The singer's latest performance passed the limits of what was considered acceptable for the genre."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But, in determining whether the legislature, in a particular enactment, has passed the limits of its constitutional authority, every reasonable presumption must be indulged in favor of the validity of such enactment.

Cornell University

An inspection of the Breen cabin found its occupants relatively well, but the Murphy cabin, according to author George Stewart, "passed the limits of description and almost of imagination".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But I wonder whether sports such as wingsuit flying have already passed the limit of safety.

The Guardian - Sport

But Mr Birkett said Oxford Street had already reached 19 hours in excess of the limit by January 4, while Putney High Street also passed the limit yesterday.

Independent

Music had passed the limit of what the ear could handle; one young composer at Darmstadt was said to be writing "the craziest gibberish" and "purest nonsense".

The New Yorker

"I now feel that the alcohol consumption, proved by facts, probably passed the limit that I can defend," he said at a news conference.

The New York Times

Otto Schily, Mr Schröder's interior minister, who has previously suggested that Germany has already "passed the limit" of the immigrant numbers it can bear, is squirming.

The Economist

Once you have passed the limit, which is $5 million $10 millionn for married couples) until the end of 2012, gift tax of up to 35% applies.

Forbes

Republican lawmakers say that if the State Supreme Court does not rule by Tuesday on collective bargaining limits they passed this spring, they will simply pass the limits again.

The New York Times

And what happens when you pass the limits of that?

TechCrunch

In cases that a robot does not pass the limits of autonomous function, a minimum level of the product liability is assumable.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passed the limits", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the idea of exceeding established boundaries, whether physical, conceptual, or behavioral.

Common error

Avoid using "passed the limits" when a more neutral term like "exceeded" or "surpassed" is more appropriate. The phrase often carries a connotation of something being excessive or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed the limits" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of exceeding or surpassing a defined boundary or threshold. It describes a state of having gone beyond what is considered acceptable or permissible. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passed the limits" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of exceeding a boundary or threshold. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds application across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase is generally neutral in register and carries a connotation of exceeding what is acceptable or permissible. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately conveys the intended meaning and consider the specific context to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases such as "exceeded the boundaries" or "transgressed the limits" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeded the boundaries

Focuses on physical or conceptual boundaries being surpassed.

transgressed the limits

Implies a violation of moral or legal boundaries.

surpassed the constraints

Highlights overcoming limitations or restrictions.

gone beyond the pale

Indicates behavior that is considered unacceptable or inappropriate.

crossed the line

Suggests a movement into unacceptable territory.

overstepped the mark

Indicates going too far in one's actions or words.

outstripped the boundaries

Emphasizes exceeding limits in terms of achievement or progress.

broken the confines

Highlights the act of liberating something from restraints.

defied the restrictions

Focuses on direct opposition to limitations.

pushed the envelope

Suggests testing the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable.

FAQs

What does "passed the limits" mean?

The phrase "passed the limits" signifies exceeding established boundaries or thresholds, whether in a literal or figurative sense. It suggests going beyond what is considered acceptable, normal, or possible.

What can I say instead of "passed the limits"?

You can use alternatives like "exceeded the boundaries", "transgressed the limits", or "gone beyond the pale" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "passed beyond the limits"?

While grammatically sound, "passed beyond the limits" is somewhat redundant. The phrase "passed the limits" already implies going beyond. Consider using one or the other for conciseness.

How is "passed the limits" different from "approached the limits"?

"Passed the limits" means that the boundaries have already been exceeded, while "approached the limits" implies that the boundaries are near but not yet crossed. They represent different stages in relation to a boundary.