past the limits of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past the limits of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe exceeding boundaries or constraints, whether they are physical, emotional, or conceptual. Example: "The project went past the limits of our initial budget, requiring us to seek additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The gap between mainstream dance presentation and work that pushes past the limits of comfort seems to be growing larger.

The New York Times - Arts

But there was always the other side of Ewing, whose stubborn streak stretched well past the limits of pride.

The New York Times - Sports

75015, metro: Porte de Vanves A tiny stroll past the limits of Paris is the city's most famous flea market: the Marché Aux Puces de Saint Ouen.

The Guardian - Travel

The music gives the electronic opiate a jolt, while the mass exposure of television lifts an artist past the limits of any single fan base.

The New York Times

It is another way of creating still greater economic and genetic concentration in an industry that has already pushed concentration past the limits of ethical and environmental acceptability.

The New York Times

But the storm this week, highlighting yet again deficiencies in how the authority gets information out, seemed to push riders past the limits of their patience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

This past weekend demonstrated the limits of presidential diplomacy, even at a time of great American influence around the world.

The New York Times

There is also no sign that the White House will ask Congress to authorize military action, which seems to put Mr. Obama at odds with his own past statements about the limits of presidential war powers.

The New York Times

Companies may get squeezed between the past and the future while facing the pressure of temporal consistency driven by past behavior and experiencing the limits of future growth in the dominant customer value drivers.

Business Horizons

Atticus helped me to see past aggression, and beyond the limits of traditional masculinity -- something the feminist movement encourages and embraces.

Huffington Post

Mr. Berkoff was told he had stayed one day past the limit of his 1997 visa, his American agent, Joe Ajlouny, said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "past the limits of", ensure the context clearly defines what those limits are. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader. For example, specify whether you're referring to physical, emotional, or conceptual limits.

Common error

Avoid using "past the limits of" without clearly defining the scope of those limits. Vague usage can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Ensure the reader understands precisely what boundaries are being exceeded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past the limits of" functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun by indicating the extent to which something has exceeded its boundaries or constraints. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "past the limits of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey exceeding established boundaries or constraints. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "beyond the confines of" and "exceeding the boundaries of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to express. Remember to clearly define the scope of the limits to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving past the limitations of

Uses 'moving past' to convey the action of leaving limitations behind, focusing on progression.

beyond the confines of

Replaces 'limits' with 'confines' and uses 'beyond' instead of 'past', emphasizing being outside a defined space or boundary.

exceeding the boundaries of

Uses 'exceeding' to highlight surpassing established borders or limitations, focusing on the act of going over.

surpassing the restrictions of

Emphasizes the overcoming of imposed rules or constraints, using 'surpassing' to indicate a higher level.

transcending the bounds of

Suggests rising above and beyond typical limitations, implying a more significant or spiritual overcoming.

outstripping the extent of

Focuses on exceeding a measurable or spatial limit, implying a greater scope or reach.

overstepping the boundaries of

Implies a violation or transgression of established limits, adding a negative connotation.

going further than

A simpler and more direct way of saying exceeding the limits, suitable for informal contexts.

rising above the constraints of

Focuses on the act of overcoming restrictive forces, suggesting a determined effort to surpass them.

breaking through the barriers of

Emphasizes the forceful overcoming of obstacles or impediments, suggesting a significant achievement.

FAQs

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

Use "past the limits of" to describe exceeding boundaries or constraints. For example, "The athlete pushed "past the limits of" human endurance" or "The project went "past the limits of" our initial budget".

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

Alternatives include "beyond the confines of", "exceeding the boundaries of", or "surpassing the restrictions of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "beyond the limits of" instead of "past the limits of"?

Yes, "beyond the limits of" is a correct and semantically similar alternative. Both phrases indicate exceeding or surpassing certain boundaries, but "beyond" suggests a more distant or further state than "past".

When is it appropriate to use "past the limits of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has gone beyond an established boundary, restriction, or constraint, whether physical, conceptual, or emotional.