pushing the boundaries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing the boundaries" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way to describe something that is being explored or tested by pushing the limits of what is known or accepted. For example: "The scientists are pushing the boundaries of what we know about the human genome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're pushing the boundaries.

Independent

They're still pushing the boundaries.

Independent

"I'm pushing the boundaries," he said.

The New York Times

Pushing the boundaries of human understanding.

The Guardian

Hardly pushing the boundaries with that one.

The Guardian - Music

Who's pushing the boundaries and how?

The Guardian

"What I'm interested in is pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

Independent

He's always testing you, always pushing the boundaries".

Independent

"But we're pushing the boundaries of what humans can do.

The New York Times

In terms of cost, the film is pushing the boundaries.

The Economist

A cringe-inducing attempt at pushing the boundaries of taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushing the boundaries" to describe innovative efforts in fields like science, technology, or the arts where established limits are being actively challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "pushing the boundaries" as a generic term for any improvement. Reserve it for situations where there is genuine innovation or a significant departure from established norms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing the boundaries" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of extending limits or challenging existing norms, as exemplified by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pushing the boundaries" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe activities that extend beyond normal limits or challenge established norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and science. While versatile, it's best reserved for genuine innovation. Consider using alternatives like "stretching the limits" or "expanding the horizons" to add variety to your writing. The high frequency of this phrase across authoritative sources underscores its widespread acceptance and appropriate usage in many scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretching the limits

Focuses on extending something to its furthest extent.

testing the limits

Focuses on assessing how far something can be taken before failure.

expanding the horizons

Emphasizes broadening one's perspective or range of possibilities.

breaking new ground

Suggests achieving something innovative or unprecedented.

challenging the status quo

Highlights the act of questioning and defying existing norms.

exploring new frontiers

Suggests venturing into uncharted territories or areas of knowledge.

redefining the parameters

Implies altering the established rules or conditions of something.

defying conventions

Implies actively opposing established norms or practices.

venturing beyond the norm

Highlights deviation from what is typically accepted or practiced.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated or required levels of performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "pushing the boundaries" to describe activities that extend beyond normal limits, such as "The artist is known for "pushing the boundaries" of traditional sculpture".

What are some alternatives to "pushing the boundaries"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "stretching the limits", "expanding the horizons", or "challenging the status quo".

When is it appropriate to use "pushing the boundaries"?

It's appropriate when describing efforts that significantly exceed existing limitations or challenge established norms in a particular field.

Is "pushing the boundaries" a formal or informal expression?

"Pushing the boundaries" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the audience and subject matter. It is suitable for news articles, academic papers, and casual discussions.