recognized the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognized the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an acknowledgment of boundaries or constraints in a particular context, such as personal abilities, resources, or situations. Example: "After several attempts to solve the problem, she finally recognized the limits of her knowledge and sought help from an expert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Like his bosses, he recognized the limits of military power.

The New Yorker

The American military has also recognized the limits of stoicism.

The New York Times - Books

But Mr. Wolff (and his parents) recognized the limits of his athletic ability.

The New York Times

It's one of the movies in which Clint was letting us know he recognized the limits of macho.

The New Yorker

Having recognized the limits of acquisitions and become skeptical about technology hype, companies refocused on organic growth.

Harvard Business Review

In the heat of argument, both were often hasty, but on the whole Allen thought more deeply, and more often recognized the limits of his understanding.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Because of his extensive experience with civil and bureaucratic government, John recognized the limited reach the state has into the everyday lives of its citizens.

SEP

While both BOCOG and the IOC urged more openness, both recognized the limit of their power.

Huffington Post

Do they recognize the limits of knowledge?

The New York Times

Recognize the limits of legal.

Harvard Business Review

Recognize the limits of draft agreements.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognized the limits", be specific about what limits were acknowledged. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "limits" without specifying what those limits pertain to. Provide context to ensure your audience understands the scope of the limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognized the limits" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating the action of acknowledging constraints or boundaries. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recognized the limits" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate an acknowledgment of boundaries or constraints. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While primarily found in news, scientific, and formal business settings, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. When employing this phrase, remember to specify what limits are being recognized to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "acknowledged the boundaries" or "understood the constraints" can provide subtle variations in meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledged the boundaries

Emphasizes a formal acceptance of constraints.

understood the constraints

Focuses on a cognitive grasp of limitations.

identified the limitations

Highlights the act of pinpointing specific restrictions.

appreciated the scope

Implies a comprehensive understanding of possibilities and impossibilities.

became aware of the restrictions

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge about limitations.

realized the extent

Highlights grasping the degree or range of something.

perceived the boundaries

Suggests an intuitive understanding of limitations.

grasped the limitations

Emphasizes a firm understanding of what cannot be done.

accepted the parameters

Implies a willingness to work within defined constraints.

was mindful of the constraints

Highlights careful attention to the existence of restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "recognized the limits" in a sentence?

You can use "recognized the limits" to indicate that someone understood the boundaries or constraints of a situation, ability, or resource. For instance, "The project manager "recognized the limits" of the team's resources and adjusted the project timeline accordingly."

What are some alternatives to saying "recognized the limits"?

Alternatives include "acknowledged the boundaries", "understood the constraints", or "identified the limitations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "recognized the limits of" or "recognized the limit of"?

It is generally better to say "recognized the limits of" because you are usually referring to multiple limitations or a range of possibilities. While "recognized the limit of" could be correct in a very specific context, "limits" is more common and versatile.

What's the difference between "recognized the limits" and "pushed the limits"?

"Recognized the limits" implies an understanding and acceptance of boundaries, while "pushed the limits" implies testing or exceeding those boundaries. They have opposite meanings; for instance, a scientist might "recognized the limits" of current technology while trying to "pushed the limits" of scientific knowledge.