set limits to

USAGE SUMMARY

"set limits to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a verb phrase that means to establish a limit or boundary on something. For example, "The school board set limits to the amount of time students can spend on computers during the school day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They also set limits to generalization of the results to other settings than the one used for validation (Table 1).

BMC Cancer

Doctors need, they say, to set limits to their involvement with 'problem patients'.

The Guardian - Books

These groups set limits to the AK party's ambitions; like most rich folk they favour stability.

The Economist

There would have to be tight regulation to require plans to accept all comers, to set limits to cost-sharing.

The New York Times

It also might seem to set limits to the scope of Mr Harris and his Common Sense Revolution.

The Economist

The past two decades of losses were covered under "product-liability" sections of companies' general insurance policies, most of which set limits to insurers' liabilities.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This view stresses the role of social norms in setting limits to inequality.

The New York Times - Magazine

What terrifies him is the idea that no one is setting limits to it all.

The Guardian - Books

"This case is about setting limits to make sure that the powers are more fairly and appropriately used".

The Guardian

Mr Egan sets limits to the West: not the prairies, not Texas, just "the sunset side of the 100th meridian".

The Economist

This, in turn, sets limits to the potential extension of the political community.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set limits to", ensure clarity about what is being limited and the purpose of the limitation. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid setting limits that are too broad or vague, as this can lead to confusion and difficulty in enforcement. Instead, specify clear and measurable criteria for the limits being imposed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set limits to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of establishing or imposing restrictions on something. It is frequently used to define the scope or extent to which something is permitted or allowed, as supported by Ludwig's analysis and example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set limits to" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that means to establish boundaries or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. To ensure clarity, specify what is being limited and the purpose of the limitation. Alternatives include "impose restrictions on", "restrict", and "control". Remember to avoid setting limits that are too broad or vague for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrict

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of limiting or restraining.

impose restrictions on

This alternative suggests a more formal and authoritative action of setting limits.

establish boundaries for

Focuses on defining the scope or extent of something, implying a clear demarcation.

define the scope of

Emphasizes clarifying and specifying the boundaries or range of something.

place constraints on

Indicates the act of putting limitations or restrictions that affect or prevent something.

cap

A shorter, more informal way of saying "set limits to", often used in the context of budgets or quantities.

control

This alternative suggests a broader sense of managing or directing something, which may involve setting limits.

regulate

Suggests controlling something through rules or laws, which inherently sets limits.

curtail

Implies reducing or restricting something, usually an activity or expenditure.

moderate

Suggests keeping something within reasonable limits, avoiding extremes.

FAQs

How can I use "set limits to" in a sentence?

You can use "set limits to" to describe the act of establishing restrictions or boundaries. For example, "The government needs to "set limits to" pollution levels".

What's the difference between ""set limits to"" and "impose restrictions on"?

"Set limits to" generally implies establishing boundaries, while "impose restrictions on" suggests a more forceful or authoritative action of limiting something.

What are some alternatives to ""set limits to""?

Alternatives include "restrict", "control", "regulate", or "establish boundaries for", depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use ""set limits to""?

It's appropriate to use ""set limits to"" in various contexts, such as discussing government regulations, personal boundaries, resource management, or project scopes.