reached the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

"reached the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to emphasize that a certain amount, number, etc. has been reached, and no more can be added. For example: "I'm sorry, but we've reached the limit of 5 people in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fayyad has reached the limit.

The New York Times

"We have practically reached the limit".

The New York Times

I think I've reached the limit".

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have reached the limit of talking," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Carso said he had reached the limit of his powers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Standard meteorology has reached the limit of its skill.

Independent

I thought that we'd reached the limit when high-profile musicals hit $100.

The New York Times

However, they have reached the limit of their technical capabilities and desperately need subject matter experts..

The Guardian

It's supposed to take two or three months before the gauge registers you've reached the limit.

The Guardian

Those who had already reached the limit can give away an additional $325,000.

The New York Times

And Argentine private pension funds have almost reached the limit of government notes they can hold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reached the limit" to clearly indicate that a boundary, threshold, or maximum capacity has been attained. It helps convey a sense of finality or constraint.

Common error

Avoid using "reached the limit" when describing a situation where progress is still possible or ongoing. It's best used when a definitive boundary has been met, not merely approached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached the limit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It indicates that a specific boundary, threshold, or maximum capacity has been attained. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reached the limit" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a maximum or boundary has been attained. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Its high frequency in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, combined with its neutral register, makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a definitive boundary being met, rather than simply approached. Consider related phrases like ""reached capacity"" or "exhausted all options" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached the maximum

Directly states the attainment of the highest possible quantity or level.

reached capacity

Focuses specifically on the idea of reaching a maximum volume or number that can be held or accommodated.

maxed out

A more informal way of saying that a limit has been reached, especially in contexts like credit cards or resources.

reached saturation point

Implies that something has been filled to the point where no more can be absorbed or added.

hit the ceiling

Implies a restriction in advancement or progress. Commonly used in business or career contexts.

exhausted all options

Focuses on the idea of using up all available choices or possibilities.

pushed to the extreme

Emphasizes the idea of something being taken to its furthest possible extent, often implying a negative consequence.

approached the threshold

Implies nearing a critical point or boundary, rather than fully reaching it.

at the end of the line

Suggests reaching a final point or boundary, often implying a sense of finality or hopelessness.

come to a standstill

Emphasizes a complete halt in progress or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "reached the limit" to indicate that something has reached its maximum capacity, such as "The stadium has "reached capacity"" or "I've "reached the end of my rope" with this project".

What are some alternatives to "reached the limit"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""reached capacity"", "exhausted all options", or "hit the ceiling".

Is it appropriate to use "reached the limit" in formal writing?

Yes, "reached the limit" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and clear way to express that a maximum has been reached.

What's the difference between "reached the limit" and "approaching the limit"?

"Reached the limit" indicates that the maximum point has been achieved, while "approaching the limit" suggests that the maximum point is near but not yet attained.