raise the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing increasing a maximum threshold or capacity in various contexts, such as finance, regulations, or personal goals. Example: "In order to accommodate more users, we need to raise the limit on our server capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Republicans wanted to raise the limit for six months.

The Guardian

Most recently, in August 2011, Congress voted to raise the limit to $16.7 trillion.

The New York Times

One of the women on the call asked Mack to raise the limit to $30 again.

The New York Times

The government of West Bengal has said it will raise the limit.

The Economist

The administration has left it to Congress to decide how much to raise the limit.

The New York Times

Failure to raise the limit could cause the country to miss payments on its debt.

The New York Times

Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase warned recently that failing to raise the limit could produce a "catastrophic" reaction from investors.

The New York Times

In 2011, the credit rating of the United States declined when Republicans merely threatened not to raise the limit.

The New York Times

Elton Gallegly (R-Calif). introduced legislation to raise the limit to $500 million in cases of gross negligence.

The Washington Post

The agency is also asking Congress for authority to raise the limit on annual premiums that FHA borrowers must pay.

The Washington Post

KT, which provides most of Korea's telephone service, decided to raise the limit largely as a result of demand overseas for its American depository receipts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise the limit" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines what limit is being raised and why. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "raise the limit" without specifying the relevant context. For instance, stating 'we need to raise the limit' is unclear. Instead, specify 'we need to raise the spending limit' for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the limit" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of increasing a maximum threshold or upper bound. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts, often involving regulations, financial matters, or other quantifiable restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise the limit" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of increasing a maximum threshold. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, business, and academia. While generally neutral, its tone can shift to more professional in formal settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "increase the limit", "expand the restriction", or "augment the ceiling" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the boundary

Emphasizes expanding a defined boundary or scope.

expand the restriction

Focuses on making a restriction less strict.

augment the ceiling

Highlights increasing an upper limit or maximum value.

elevate the threshold

Suggests raising a point that must be surpassed.

extend the cap

Focuses on increasing a maximum allowance.

broaden the scope

Refers to widening the range or extent of something.

magnify the allowance

Suggests greatly increasing the permitted amount.

widen the confines

Implies making the boundaries less restrictive.

enhance the margin

Focuses on improving or increasing a safety or buffer zone.

amplify the parameter

Suggests increasing a measurable factor or limit.

FAQs

What does it mean to "raise the limit"?

To "raise the limit" means to increase the maximum amount or degree allowed or possible. The specific meaning depends on the context, such as raising the debt limit or raising the speed limit.

How is "raise the limit" used in financial contexts?

In finance, "raise the limit" often refers to increasing the debt ceiling, a credit card limit, or investment limits. This allows for more borrowing, spending, or investing, respectively.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "raise the limit"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "increase the limit", "expand the restriction", or "augment the ceiling" depending on the specific context.

What are the potential consequences of failing to "raise the limit" on national debt?

Failing to "raise the limit" on national debt could lead to the government being unable to pay its obligations, potentially causing a financial crisis and harming the economy.