pushing limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of challenging boundaries or exceeding expectations in various contexts, such as personal growth, sports, or innovation. Example: "The athlete is known for pushing limits, constantly striving to break her own records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Pushing limits is its lifeblood.

The Guardian - Travel

They are places for pushing limits, and not just in the sense of jars and fists.

The Economist

Mainly it concerns Mr. Kimmel because he has a comic sensibility honed on pushing limits.

The New York Times - Arts

"That phallic pasta is about pushing limits and making fun of mores," he told me.

The New York Times - Style

Two of the legislators pushing limits have previously been ousted by them at the local level, and came away from that experience thinking this is a good idea.

The New York Times

Her first major project, "Your Veil Is a Battleground," published last year on Lens, showed teenage girls in Tehran living dual lives — a proscribed one in public and another pushing limits and striving for personal freedoms in private.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But he has pushed limits.

The New York Times

But he said he knew others pushed limits.

The New York Times

Are those who make money off these sports exploiting an innate human desire to push limits?

The New York Times - Arts

There had been previous incidents, as it was in my nature to push limits.

The New Yorker

An adventurer is someone who somehow pushes limits, whether they are physical, psychological, artistic or intellectual.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pushing limits", consider the specific context and ensure that the action is intentional and purposeful. Avoid using it when simply describing unintentional overexertion.

Common error

Avoid using "pushing limits" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. Reserve it for situations involving significant effort, risk, or innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing limits" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of challenging established boundaries and striving to surpass them. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pushing limits" is a versatile and widely accepted expression used to describe the act of challenging boundaries and exceeding expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. While it’s important to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding its application to trivial situations, "pushing limits" effectively conveys ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Alternatives like "challenging boundaries" or "exceeding expectations" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging boundaries

Focuses on questioning and going beyond established rules or norms.

exceeding expectations

Highlights surpassing anticipated outcomes or standards.

extending capabilities

Emphasizes expanding one's skills or potential.

stretching the envelope

Suggests taking risks and exploring uncharted territories.

testing the waters

Implies cautiously exploring new possibilities or limits.

going the extra mile

Focuses on putting in additional effort to achieve more.

breaking new ground

Indicates pioneering or innovating in a particular field.

defying convention

Implies actively opposing or disregarding traditional norms.

outdoing oneself

Highlights surpassing one's own previous achievements.

raising the bar

Suggests setting a new, higher standard for performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "pushing limits" to describe actions that challenge boundaries or exceed expectations. For example, "The athlete is known for pushing limits, constantly striving to break her own records."

What is a good substitute for "pushing limits"?

Alternatives to "pushing limits" include "challenging boundaries", "exceeding expectations", or "extending capabilities", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to say someone is "pushing limits"?

Saying someone is "pushing limits" means they are challenging themselves to go beyond what is normally expected or considered possible. It often implies a willingness to take risks and explore new possibilities.

Is "pushing limits" the same as "pushing boundaries"?

While similar, "pushing limits" and "pushing boundaries" are not always interchangeable. "Pushing limits" often refers to physical or mental capabilities, while "pushing boundaries" more broadly refers to social, ethical, or creative conventions.