testing the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

"testing the limits" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means pushing boundaries or trying to see how far something can go before reaching its limits. Some possible contexts in which you could use this phrase include: - In a personal essay discussing a challenging experience or situation where you had to test your own limits. Example: "I never thought I could run a marathon, but I decided to push myself and ended up testing my limits both mentally and physically." - In a scientific or technical report discussing experiments or studies that involved pushing the limits of a certain material or process. Example: "The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of testing the limits of the new insulation material under extreme temperatures." - In a news article reporting on a sports event where an athlete or team pushed themselves to their absolute limits. Example: "The marathon runner amazed spectators by testing the limits of human endurance and achieving a new personal best time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rihanna is testing the limits of her fans's devotion.

The Guardian - Music

The tribunal is testing the limits of Lebanon's government consensus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Always, however, it is about testing the limits of power.

The Guardian - Opinion

They apparently know they are testing the limits.

The New York Times

New technologies are testing the limits of computer semiconductors.

The New York Times - Tech

With such actions they are testing the limits of democracy".

The New York Times

The Fed is testing the limits of loose money.

The New York Times

Testing the limits of the politically possible extends across sectors.

The New York Times

All climbing films deal with testing the limits of human endurance.

The Guardian - Film

In their stead, white comedians are increasingly testing the limits of taste and mock intolerance.

The New York Times - Arts

In the show's best moments, it's like Jackass, Jr., testing the limits of lurid slapstick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "testing the limits", ensure the context clearly defines what limits are being tested, whether they are physical, mental, or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "testing the limits" in contexts where specific constraints or boundaries are not clearly defined. Always provide context for what is being tested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "testing the limits" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun or part of a noun phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of probing or assessing boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "testing the limits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of exploring or assessing the extent of something's capabilities or boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is considered valid. Predominantly used in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the specific limits being tested are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""pushing the boundaries"" or ""exploring the boundaries"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushing the boundaries

Focuses on the act of expanding beyond current boundaries, similar to testing how far one can go.

exploring the boundaries

Emphasizes the exploratory aspect of finding where the limits lie.

stretching the boundaries

Implies extending or expanding limits, rather than just testing them.

pushing the envelope

An idiom that means exceeding accepted boundaries or norms.

challenging the status quo

Highlights the act of questioning or defying existing norms or limits.

exploring the outer reaches

Similar to "testing the limits" but emphasizes the exploration of the most distant possibilities.

assessing the constraints

Focuses on evaluating the limitations and restrictions in a situation.

defying conventions

Suggests actively opposing or breaking away from established norms and restrictions.

experimenting with extremes

Highlights the experimental nature of pushing limits to their furthest extent.

probing the depths

Suggests a thorough investigation to understand the full extent of something, similar to finding its limits.

FAQs

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

You can use "testing the limits" to describe situations where boundaries or capabilities are being explored, such as "The athlete was "pushing the boundaries"" or "The company is "exploring the boundaries" of technology".

What phrases are similar to "testing the limits"?

Alternatives include ""pushing the boundaries"", ""exploring the boundaries"", and "challenging the status quo", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "testing the limits" in formal writing?

Yes, "testing the limits" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, or news contexts. However, be mindful of the specific tone and audience.

What's the difference between "testing the limits" and ""pushing the boundaries""?

While both phrases are similar, "testing the limits" implies a more exploratory approach to see how far something can go, whereas ""pushing the boundaries"" suggests a more active attempt to expand beyond current capabilities.