reduce the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of lowering a specified threshold or maximum, such as in regulations, policies, or numerical values. Example: "To improve safety, we need to reduce the limit on the number of participants allowed in the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Currently, local highway authorities can and do reduce the limit to 50mph on stretches of road deemed appropriate.

The Guardian - Opinion

There will be many of us who will never stop campaigning to reduce the limit," Kawczynski said.

The Guardian

Perhaps most impressively, in government the Lib Dems will deliver on their other manifesto pledge to reduce the limit on precharge detention from 28 to 14 days.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, home secretary Theresa May said she believed there was scope to reduce the limit on when a termination can take place to 20 weeks.

The Guardian

Representative Earl Blumenauer, Democrat of Oregon, said it was cruel to reduce the limit because, in many parts of the country, "the jobs aren't there".

The New York Times

The home secretary, Theresa May, also spoke out on the issue on Saturday, saying she believed there was scope to reduce the limit on when a termination can take place, to 20 weeks into a pregnancy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Powerful landowners are trying to use this opportunity to reduce the limits of the park," said Aguiar.

The Guardian

Analysis shows that a specific selection of parameters can reduce the limiting effect of nonlinear stretching thus allowing one to excite high-order modes with small external forces.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The aim of applying MCC in healthcare applications is to reduce the limits of traditional medical applications (e.g., security, small storage, and medical errors [15, 16]).

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

A more sensible approach would be to reduce the limits of liability for a motorist who injures or kills someone who was not using a seat belt.

Los Angeles Times

The law reduces the limit to 7.5percentt.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce the limit", ensure the context clearly defines what the limit is and why it is being reduced. Providing specific numerical values or clear objectives can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the limit" without specifying which limit is being discussed. Vague references can lead to confusion. Always provide the context, such as "reduce the speed limit" or "reduce the spending limit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the limit" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "reduce" is the transitive verb and "the limit" serves as its direct object. This construction indicates an action performed on a specific boundary or threshold. The examples provided by Ludwig support this analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce the limit" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the action of lowering a specified boundary or threshold. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, most frequently appearing in News & Media and Science. While interchangeable with alternatives like "lower the limit" or "decrease the limit", it's crucial to provide clear context about which limit is being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Ensure precise communication by specifying the limit and the reason for its reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower the limit

Uses "lower" instead of "reduce", providing a more direct synonym.

decrease the limit

Replaces "reduce" with "decrease", another common synonym.

cut the limit

Employs "cut" for a more concise and informal phrasing.

shrink the limit

Uses "shrink" to suggest a reduction in size or scope.

diminish the limit

Replaces "reduce" with "diminish", adding a touch of formality.

lessen the limit

Employs "lessen" as a gentler alternative to "reduce".

scale down the limit

Uses "scale down" to suggest a proportional reduction.

bring down the limit

Replaces reduce with "bring down" to add more active expression.

curtail the limit

Employing "curtail", which implies a restriction or reduction, offers a formal tone.

constrain the limit

Uses "constrain", to suggest restricting or controlling the limit.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce the limit" when discussing lowering a specific maximum or threshold, for example, "The city council voted to "reduce the limit" on building heights in the downtown area".

What is a more formal way to say "reduce the limit"?

A more formal way to express "reduce the limit" is to use phrases like "diminish the limit" or "curtail the limit", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Which is correct, "reduce the limit" or "lower the limit"?

Both ""reduce the limit"" and "lower the limit" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired tone, as they are largely interchangeable.

What are some situations where you might need to "reduce the limit"?

Situations where you might need to ""reduce the limit"" include lowering speed limits for safety, decreasing spending limits to control budgets, or reducing emission limits to protect the environment.