pushing boundaries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing boundaries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of challenging limits or exploring new ideas, concepts, or practices in various fields such as art, science, or technology. Example: "The artist is known for pushing boundaries in contemporary art, often incorporating unconventional materials and techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pushing Boundaries Fringe, fringe, everywhere.

The New York Times

He loves the medium and pushing boundaries".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were interested in pushing boundaries".

The New York Times - Arts

In the meantime, Tattoo Lou's is pushing boundaries.

The New York Times - Sports

Pushing boundaries... Architecting, shortlisted for the Total Theatre Awards.

The Guardian

"We are pushing boundaries that we have not pushed before".

The New York Times

"For me the power came from pushing boundaries.

The Guardian - Books

"I have no problems with pushing boundaries," he said.

The New Yorker

At this point Alms was already pushing boundaries.

The Guardian - Travel

The list of his activities — always pushing boundaries — is stunning.

The Guardian - Opinion

So is pushing boundaries in the mainstream to be celebrated?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing efforts to challenge existing social norms, consider using "pushing boundaries" to convey a sense of rebellion and progress.

Common error

While versatile, "pushing boundaries" can sound overly dramatic in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "trying new things" or "experimenting" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing boundaries" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. It describes the act of challenging existing limits or conventions in various fields. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pushing boundaries" is a versatile and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the act of challenging existing limits or conventions. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely used. Its application spans various contexts, including news, science, and business, denoting innovation and progress. While versatile, it is important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in overly informal situations. Alternatives like "challenging limits" or "expanding horizons" may be more suitable in some instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging limits

Focuses more on overcoming existing limitations rather than exploring new areas.

expanding horizons

Emphasizes broadening perspectives and understanding.

defying conventions

Highlights the act of going against established norms and traditions.

breaking barriers

Suggests overcoming obstacles and creating new opportunities.

exploring uncharted territory

Emphasizes discovery and venturing into the unknown.

innovating relentlessly

Focuses on continuous innovation and improvement.

redefining limits

Suggests changing the perception of what is possible.

stretching the envelope

Implies maximizing capabilities and pushing performance to its peak.

transcending limitations

Highlights the act of rising above inherent constraints.

venturing beyond the norm

Emphasizes a deliberate move away from conventional practices.

FAQs

How can I use "pushing boundaries" in a sentence?

You can use "pushing boundaries" to describe actions that challenge existing limitations, such as "The company is known for "pushing boundaries" in sustainable technology".

What are some alternatives to "pushing boundaries"?

Alternatives to "pushing boundaries" include "challenging limits", "expanding horizons", or "defying conventions" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "boundary pushing" instead of "pushing boundaries"?

While "pushing boundaries" is more common as a gerund phrase, "boundary pushing" can be used as a compound adjective, such as in "boundary-pushing technology". The choice depends on the grammatical role in the sentence.

What does "pushing boundaries" mean in the context of art?

In art, "pushing boundaries" refers to artists experimenting with new mediums, techniques, or concepts to challenge traditional artistic norms and express innovative ideas.