set a limiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a limiting" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of establishing a limit or restriction, but it is incomplete and awkward as it stands. Example: "We need to set a limit on the number of participants in the event to ensure safety."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Given that vertebrate (and many other) species will soon be sequenced by the thousands, this requirement will not set a limiting condition on the method itself.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So we set a limit".

The New York Times

"We decided to set a limit.

The New York Times

"So set a limit for yourself".

The New York Times

Set a limit on your bid.

The New York Times - Style

Set a limit on how much you will drink.

Harvard University

These ties set a limit to further deterioration.

The Economist

At a recent dinner there I set a limit of $95 a bottle.

The New York Times - Food

This time, with mortgage rates higher, Mr. Dubovsky set a limit of $314,000.

The New York Times

"Under par was what I wanted, but I wasn't trying to set a limit.

The New York Times - Sports

"We definitely don't set a limit on how much protein people should eat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express the act of establishing a limit, use the more grammatically sound and widely accepted phrase "set a limit" instead of "set a limiting".

Common error

Avoid using the present participle form of the verb "limit" as an adjective directly after "set a". Instead, use the noun form "limit" or rephrase using a different verb like "establish" or "impose".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a limiting" functions as an attempt to describe the act of imposing a boundary or restriction. However, it's grammatically incorrect, as the present participle "limiting" isn't appropriate in this context. Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical error.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "set a limiting" aims to convey the act of establishing a limit, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, recommending the use of "set a limit" instead. Although examples do appear in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase's non-standard usage suggests caution. When aiming for precision and clarity, especially in formal writing, opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "establish a limit" or "impose a restriction". By prioritizing accuracy, writers can ensure effective communication across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a limit

More common and grammatically correct way to express the same idea.

establish a limit

Replaces "set" with "establish" for a slightly more formal tone, still conveying the same meaning.

impose a restriction

Uses "impose" instead of "set" and "restriction" instead of "limit", changing the wording while maintaining the core concept.

place a constraint

Substitutes "set" with "place" and "limit" with "constraint", offering a different but similar expression.

define a boundary

Uses "define" instead of "set" and "boundary" instead of "limit", focusing on the act of clearly marking a limit.

fix a maximum

Replaces "set a limit" with "fix a maximum", emphasizing the establishment of an upper bound.

prescribe a ceiling

Offers a more formal alternative, replacing "set a limit" with "prescribe a ceiling".

specify a threshold

Substitutes "set a limit" with "specify a threshold", focusing on identifying a critical point.

determine a cap

Replaces "set a limit" with "determine a cap", indicating the act of establishing an upper limit.

institute a control

Uses "institute" and "control" to convey a more formal tone about the same idea.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "set a limiting"?

The correct phrase is "set a limit". The word "limiting" should be replaced with "limit" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Can I use "limiting" after "set a" in formal writing?

No, it's best to avoid "limiting" after "set a", especially in formal writing. Use "set a limit" or consider alternatives like "establish a limit" for a more polished tone.

What alternatives exist for "set a limiting" in academic writing?

In academic contexts, use phrases like "impose a restriction", "define a boundary", or "establish a threshold" for clarity and precision.

Is there a difference between "set a limit" and "set a limiting"?

Yes, "set a limit" is grammatically correct and commonly used, while "set a limiting" is not standard English and should be avoided. The former uses "limit" as a noun, while the latter incorrectly uses "limiting" as an adjective.