push the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

"push the limits" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to testing the boundaries of a particular situation or trying to achieve something difficult or ambitious. For example, "She was determined to push the limits of what was expected of her academically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To push the limits beyond".

The New York Times

"They push the limits.

The New York Times

Domestic providers, too, can push the limits.

The New York Times - Health

Other comics push the limits of taste.

The Economist

We can push the limits".

The New York Times

Now it's important to push the limits.

The Guardian

I'm trying to push the limits of aesthetics".

The New York Times

"I wanted to push the limits," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Online, they can push the limits, although not too far.

The New York Times

A desire to push the limits of emotion on film.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's the name skeptics have given one push-the-limits CRUT variation.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push the limits" to convey a sense of ambition, innovation, or a desire to overcome constraints. It can be particularly effective when describing efforts in fields like technology, sports, or the arts.

Common error

While a strong phrase, "push the limits" can lose its impact if used too frequently. Vary your language to maintain the freshness and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the limits" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of testing or exceeding boundaries, whether physical, conceptual, or metaphorical. The examples showcase its versatile application across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "push the limits" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to convey ambition, innovation, and the act of challenging existing constraints. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a verb phrase and finds frequent application across diverse fields, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and to consider synonyms like "exceed expectations" or "challenge boundaries" to maintain writing impact. The analysis underscores its broad applicability and consistent usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transcend limitations

Focuses on overcoming inherent restrictions.

stretch the envelope

Implies expanding the range of possibilities or accepted norms.

challenge boundaries

Emphasizes questioning and defying established boundaries.

defy convention

Highlights resisting or going against established norms.

exceed expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated outcomes rather than testing boundaries.

raise the bar

Implies setting a higher standard or expectation.

break new ground

Highlights pioneering and innovating in unexplored areas.

venture beyond

Suggests exploring areas outside the known or comfortable.

test the waters

Suggests exploring new possibilities, but is a bit less strong than "push the limits".

go the extra mile

Conveys exceeding what is required or expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "push the limits" to describe efforts to exceed existing boundaries or capabilities, such as "The engineers are working hard to push the limits of battery technology."

What's a good alternative to "push the limits"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "exceed expectations", "challenge boundaries", or "transcend limitations".

In what contexts is "push the limits" most appropriate?

"Push the limits" is suitable in contexts where innovation, ambition, or a desire to overcome obstacles are central themes, such as technology, sports, or creative arts.

Is it correct to say "pushing the limits" instead of "push the limits"?

Yes, "pushing the limits" is the gerund or present participle form and is grammatically correct. For example, "By constantly pushing the limits, they achieved remarkable breakthroughs."