pushed to our limits

USAGE SUMMARY

'pushed to our limits' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically is used to describe a situation in which one or more people have been pushed beyond their endurance or ability to cope. For example, "The team was pushed to our limits by the challenging project, but we eventually achieved our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We were really pushed to our limits.

Harvard University

We were all participants in this grand social experiment, officially known as college, where we were continually pushed to our limits in order to discover who we truly are.

Stanford University

"We knew we would be pushed to our limits in terms of how we lived," one client wrote in The World of Muriel Brandolini: Interiors (Rizzoli, $65).

Forbes

We're absolutely pushed to our limits.

Vice

To paraphrase, Brown believes that as we are pushed to our limits, we become more honest.

Vice

Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The ambitious nature of this project really pushed us to our limits and we are very happy to say that we succeeded in producing a successful autonomous stabilization system for a co-axial helicopter using our proposed stabilization system.

Cornell University

Yet, they are the perfect person to push us to our limits and force us out of our comfort zone requiring us to adjust and grow.

Huffington Post

We will have to push ourselves to our limits and possibly even beyond to go through.

The Guardian - Sport

If the goal of IMD's Integrated Exercise is to push us to our limits, it certainly achieved this.

The Economist

All of us, he says, "want to work on something thrilling, that really matters, that pushes us to our limits".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pushed to our limits", ensure the context clearly indicates what the limits are and what entity or group was pushed. For example, specify if it's a team, a system, or an individual.

Common error

Avoid using "pushed to our limits" without specifying the cause of the pressure. Ensure clarity on what or who is responsible for pushing the entity to its limits. For example, it's better to say "The project pushed the team to their limits" rather than simply "We were pushed to our limits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushed to our limits" functions as a descriptive phrase, often serving as a predicate adjective. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a state of being where someone or something has been challenged or tested to the maximum extent of their ability or endurance. The phrase typically requires a clear subject to indicate who or what experienced the pushing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pushed to our limits" is a descriptive expression used to communicate that a subject has been challenged or tested to the maximum extent of their ability or endurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Although "pushed to our limits" appears across various contexts, including academia, news, and personal narratives, the phrase is not very common. When employing this phrase, make sure to specify both the subject and the cause of the pressure for maximum clarity. Alternatives like "tested to the extreme" or "challenged to the utmost" can provide similar meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tested to the extreme

Highlights the severity of the test or challenge faced.

challenged to the utmost

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

stretched beyond capacity

Focuses on exceeding the normal or expected capabilities.

taken to the breaking point

Suggests a situation nearing collapse or failure due to extreme pressure.

extended to the fullest extent

Highlights the complete utilization of resources or abilities.

driven to the edge

Implies a state of near-exhaustion or desperation.

strained to the maximum

Emphasizes the level of stress or pressure experienced.

tried to the utmost degree

Stresses the intensity of the trial or challenge.

subjected to maximum strain

Focuses on the imposition of pressure or stress from an external source.

worked to the bone

Suggests extreme physical exertion and exhaustion.

FAQs

How can I use "pushed to our limits" in a sentence?

You can use "pushed to our limits" to describe a situation where capabilities or endurance were severely tested. For example: "The challenging project "pushed to our limits", but we learned a lot".

What are some alternatives to saying "pushed to our limits"?

Alternatives include "tested to the extreme", "challenged to the utmost", or "stretched beyond capacity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pushed to our limits"?

Yes, "pushed to our limits" is grammatically correct. It uses the past participle of "push" correctly to describe a state of being tested severely.

What does "pushed to our limits" typically mean?

It means being challenged or tested so much that one is near the point of failure or exhaustion. It implies that capabilities and resources have been strained to their maximum extent.