surpassed the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surpassed the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has gone beyond established boundaries or expectations. Example: "The athlete surpassed the limits of human endurance during the marathon, setting a new world record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

But, long before the New England Patriots ended Denver's season last weekend with their usual poker-faced brutality (the 45-10 final score somehow understates the lopsidedness and fistful-of-Klonopin dullness of the game), even those die-hards had likely surpassed the limits of their own personal Tebow-tolerance.

Vice

The SUS has surpassed the limits of urban areas and now serves the rural population, minorities and individuals with disabilities, the indigenous population and others [ 1].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a rigorous sealed batch reactor, the conversions of the reactants surpassed the limit of chemical equilibrium with the hydrophilic catalyst, from which the hydrophobic n-butyl acetate would be rejected.

Catalysis Communications

As I fondly gaze at the quantum moments in my own life when I have surpassed the limiting beliefs and fear thoughts, I feel a sense of pure delight, a wowie-zowie sense of wonder.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

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 imagine that a police officer would throw a Molotov cocktail at his professional colleagues, putting their lives at risk, is something that surpasses the limits of good sense and reveals a sordid conspiracy used to justify the criminal violence of these vandals".

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surpassed the limits", ensure the context clearly defines what limits were exceeded. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "surpassed the limits" without specifying which limits were exceeded. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement. Be specific about the boundaries that were crossed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surpassed the limits" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something has gone beyond established boundaries or restrictions. It highlights an act of exceeding or outdoing a defined threshold, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surpassed the limits" effectively conveys exceeding established boundaries or expectations. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure the specific limits being exceeded are clearly defined to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "exceeded the boundaries" or "went beyond the pale" may be considered depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeded the boundaries

Implies a crossing or going beyond established borders or limits; slight shift in formality.

went beyond the pale

Suggests behavior or actions that are unacceptable or outrageous, adding a moral dimension.

transcended the constraints

Indicates rising above or going beyond limitations, often in a more philosophical or spiritual context.

outstripped the boundaries

Emphasizes exceeding limits in terms of speed or progress; a more dynamic connotation.

overstepped the mark

Indicates going too far or exceeding acceptable behavior; a more informal expression.

pushed the envelope

Suggests testing or exceeding the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable, with an emphasis on innovation.

broke through the barriers

Implies overcoming obstacles and exceeding previous achievements, often in a competitive context.

defied the restrictions

Highlights resistance to limitations and exceeding them despite opposition, suggesting defiance.

crossed the line

Indicates exceeding a boundary of acceptable behavior or conduct, implying a transgression.

gone overboard

Implies exceeding what is necessary or appropriate; often used in a more informal, conversational context.

FAQs

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

You can use "surpassed the limits" to describe exceeding expectations, boundaries, or restrictions. For example: "The athlete "surpassed the limits" of human endurance during the competition."

What are some alternatives to "surpassed the limits"?

Alternatives include "exceeded the boundaries", "went beyond the pale", or "transcended the constraints" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exceeded the limits" or "surpassed the limits"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Exceeded the limits" and "surpassed the limits" are often interchangeable, but "surpassed" might imply a greater degree of achievement or advancement.

What does it mean to say someone "surpassed the limits of human endurance"?

It means they went beyond what was thought possible for human stamina or resilience, achieving something extraordinary. This often refers to physical or mental challenges.