push the envelope

USAGE SUMMARY

'push the envelope' is a correct and common phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is taking risks or trying something new. For example, "John is determined to push the envelope and make his mark in the business world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You must push the envelope.

The New York Times

(Some artists push the envelope.

The New Yorker

"They push the envelope.

MIT Technology Review

You may push the envelope.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Did we push the envelope?

The New York Times - Sports

You can push the envelope".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Personally, I push the envelope," Sarah said.

The New York Times

And it's good to push the envelope.

The New York Times

He tends to push the envelope.

The New York Times - Arts

I wanted to push the envelope.

The New York Times

"They push the envelope every year".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push the envelope", ensure the context clearly indicates the area where boundaries are being challenged, whether it's technology, creativity, or social norms.

Common error

Avoid using "push the envelope" in situations where simple improvement is the goal. This phrase is reserved for instances of significant innovation or risk-taking, not minor adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the envelope" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of challenging established limits or norms in a particular field. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase, used to express innovation and a willingness to take risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push the envelope" is a very common phrase that means to exceed established limits or pioneer new approaches. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While it's a versatile phrase, it's important to use it when describing significant innovation rather than minor improvements. Alternatives include "break new ground" or "raise the bar", but the original phrase remains a powerful way to describe the act of challenging norms and striving for groundbreaking achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

push boundaries

Emphasizes challenging and extending the limits of what is acceptable or possible.

go beyond the limits

Directly expresses exceeding established boundaries.

break new ground

Focuses on initiating or discovering something entirely new.

pioneer new methods

Focuses on developing and implementing innovative approaches.

raise the bar

Implies setting a new, higher standard of performance or achievement.

challenge the status quo

Emphasizes questioning and resisting conventional norms.

defy convention

Highlights a deliberate departure from accepted norms.

think outside the box

Highlights innovative and unconventional thinking.

stretch the imagination

Implies expanding the limits of creative thought.

test the waters

Suggests exploring new possibilities or boundaries cautiously.

FAQs

What does "push the envelope" mean?

The phrase "push the envelope" means to exceed the limits of what is normally done or accepted, often involving innovation or risk-taking.

How can I use "push the envelope" in a sentence?

You can use "push the envelope" to describe someone or something that is trying to go beyond existing boundaries, such as, "The artist is known for always trying to "push the envelope" with their experimental techniques".

What are some alternatives to "push the envelope"?

Alternatives to "push the envelope" include "break new ground", "push boundaries", or "raise the bar", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "push the envelope" appropriate for formal writing?

While "push the envelope" is widely understood, consider the audience. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "advance the boundaries" or "pioneer new methods" might be more suitable.