reached its limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached its limit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain threshold or maximum capacity has been attained in various contexts, such as emotions, resources, or physical limits. Example: "After months of overworking, she finally felt that she had reached its limit and needed a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With hardly any light striking the sensor, it reached its limit.

Cornell University

If we want to pick the point where a man's sexual appeal has reached its limit, it's there: 40.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has reached its limit.

The New York Times

But it's reached its limit.

The New York Times

You will know when it has reached its limit when the ratchet catches.

WikiHow

Turkey is struggling to accommodate overcrowded camps and said it has nearly reached its limit.

The New York Times

Private indebtedness was the most recent method by which we borrowed against our future to serve the present – it has now reached its limit.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it comes to ethanol, the United States may have reached its limit — at least for now.

The Washington Post

The pressure reached its limit.

The New York Times

Human advance through natural selection has reached its limit.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the relative amity has pretty much reached its limit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reached its limit" to denote that a resource, capacity, or ability is fully utilized or exhausted. For clarity, specify what exactly has reached its limit, such as "the city's water supply has reached its limit".

Common error

Avoid using "reached its limit" vaguely. Ensure it's clear whether you're referring to a physical boundary, emotional endurance, or a metaphorical limit. For instance, don't just say "the system reached its limit"; clarify with "the system's processing capacity reached its limit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached its limit" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject has arrived at its maximum capacity, extent, or threshold. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reached its limit" is a versatile and widely accepted expression used to indicate that something has attained its maximum capacity, extent, or threshold. Grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts such as news, science, and business, according to Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of constraint or saturation. To enhance clarity, specify what has reached its limit. Keep in mind alternatives like "exceeded its capacity" or "hit its ceiling" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit its ceiling

Implies that something has reached its highest possible level and cannot go further.

reached its peak

Signifies the highest point of achievement, quality, or intensity.

exceeded its capacity

Suggests going beyond the maximum hold or allowance, focusing on tangible aspects.

reached the maximum extent

Formally indicates the greatest possible degree or range.

maxed out

Informal term meaning to reach the maximum level or capacity.

reached the breaking point

Indicates that a situation is about to collapse due to excessive pressure or strain.

reached the end of the line

Indicates a situation where progress or continuation is no longer possible.

approached saturation

Implies near-total absorption or fulfillment, often used in scientific contexts.

come to a standstill

Expresses a complete cessation of movement or progress.

met its match

Suggests confronting something equally strong or capable, often leading to an impasse.

FAQs

How can I use "reached its limit" in a sentence?

Use "reached its limit" to indicate that something has attained its maximum capacity or extent. For example: "The charity has "reached its limit" in terms of resources."

What are some alternatives to "reached its limit"?

Alternatives include "exceeded its capacity", "hit its ceiling", or "maxed out", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "reaches its limit" instead of "reached its limit"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Reaches its limit" is present tense, used for habitual or general truths, while "reached its limit" is past tense, used for a specific instance in the past.

What's the difference between "reached its limit" and "approached its limit"?

"Reached its limit" means the maximum point has been attained, while "approached its limit" means it is close to the maximum but hasn't quite gotten there yet.