surpass the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surpass the limits" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to go beyond or exceed the established boundaries or restrictions. Example: Despite facing numerous challenges, the athlete was determined to surpass the limits and set a new world record. In this sentence, "surpass the limits" means to overcome obstacles and achieve something greater beyond what is expected or possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is this understanding that gives him the confidence to believe that technology – through an explosion of progress in genetics, nanotechnology and robotics – will soon surpass the limits of his imagination.

Independent

The worst case is even more severe: a drastic change in our environment that could see heat stress in some areas surpass the limits of human tolerance, leaving as the legacy of our generation an unimaginably different and more dangerous world for our children and grandchildren.

The Guardian

To ensure that these versatile enzymes meet industry standards and needs, they have been subjected to directed evolution and hybrid approaches that surpass the limits imposed by nature.

Trends in Biotechnology

Faith has more authority than human reason and must be accepted in all cases where the two conflict since the things we believe on faith come from God, who cannot err.[14] Although metaphysics cannot surpass the limits of human knowledge, Marsilius considered it to be the entry point to theology.

SEP

In this review we aim to present the most recent advances in this fascinating research field that are allowing us to surpass the limits of nature and apply newly gained attributes to a range of applications, from gene therapy to novel green processes.

Biotechnology Advances

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unless you are a lumberjack, there's only so much plaid you can contemplate, and it's easy these days to surpass the limit.

The New Yorker

Mr. Mayne founded the Southern California Institute for Architecture in the early 1970's to create designs that would "eschew the normal bounds of traditional forms and materials and surpass the limiting dualism of modern and postmodern".

The New York Times

In other words, LD activity might be limited by DXR sensitivity of cancer cells, while ILD would be likely to surpass the limit and able to overcome the drug resistance of those cells when they have enough Ag density.

British Journal of Cancer

Domestic consumption is surpassing the limits of production, causing inflation.

The New York Times

Trading is so frenetic that on April 20th, volumes surpassed the limits of the software that tracks transactions.

The Economist

President Donald Trump — then just Donald Trump, a man whose foolishness surpassed the limits of exaggeration — thought it would be possible to use his deepest insecurities to make America great again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surpass the limits" when you want to emphasize exceeding expectations or achieving something previously thought impossible. For instance, "The new technology aims to "surpass the limits" of current computing power."

Common error

Avoid using "surpass the limits" in contexts where simply meeting expectations is sufficient. Overusing it can diminish the impact of situations where truly exceptional performance is achieved. Use the phrase judiciously to highlight remarkable achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surpass the limits" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of exceeding or going beyond established boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surpass the limits" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express exceeding expectations or achieving something previously thought impossible. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and scientific publications, indicating its validity and versatility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that its communicative purpose is to highlight exceptional achievements and that can be used in both formal and less formal settings.

When writing, remember to use the phrase judiciously to maximize its impact and to differentiate it from simpler expressions like "exceed expectations". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "surpass the limits" to convey extraordinary achievements and transformative progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the limits

Replaces "surpass" with "exceed", maintaining a similar meaning of going beyond a boundary.

go beyond the limits

Replaces "surpass" with a more common expression "go beyond", indicating exceeding restrictions.

transcend the limits

Uses "transcend" instead of "surpass", implying a higher level of overcoming limitations.

outstrip the limits

Employs "outstrip" to suggest moving faster or further than the established boundaries.

surmount the restrictions

Uses "surmount" instead of "surpass", conveying the meaning of overcoming obstacles or restrictions.

overcome the limitations

Focuses on "limitations" rather than "limits", suggesting a successful struggle against constraints.

rise above the constraints

Suggests overcoming limitations by elevating oneself beyond them.

break the boundaries

Uses "break" instead of "surpass", implying a more forceful action to overcome the limits.

defy the limitations

Implies a daring or rebellious act of challenging and exceeding the set boundaries.

push the envelope

An idiomatic expression with similar meaning, suggesting an attempt to extend current boundaries of performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "surpass the limits" to describe going beyond established boundaries or achieving something previously thought impossible. For example, "The athlete trained rigorously to "surpass the limits" of human endurance."

What's a good alternative to "surpass the limits"?

Alternatives include "exceed the limits", "transcend the limits", or "go beyond the limits" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "surpass the limits" or "surpass the limit"?

"Surpass the limits" is generally used when referring to multiple boundaries or constraints. "Surpass the limit" is appropriate when referring to a singular, specific restriction.

What does it mean to "surpass the limits" of something?

To "surpass the limits" means to go beyond the established boundaries or restrictions of something. It suggests achieving a level of performance or capability that exceeds what was previously considered possible.