touched the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touched the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe reaching a boundary or maximum capacity in various contexts, such as emotions, experiences, or physical limits. Example: "After working tirelessly for weeks, I finally felt like I had touched the limits of my endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However garlanded you are back home, your laurels almost never carry you as far as your countrymen may think; even the rower Sir Steve Redgrave, who bore the torch to the stadium yesterday, and who, by winning a gold medal at five successive Olympics, touched the limits of what any competitor can achieve, could probably walk, unhailed, down the street in any other land.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Aldous Huxley described Lake Atitlan as "too much of a good thing, it touches the limit of the permissibly picturesque".

The Guardian - Travel

The "+1" in the nondimensional temperature expression is introduced to ensure that the computing process does not touch the limit of 0 K.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Our study has several limitations, partly shared by other observational studies in pregnancy: the problem of low grade proteinuria is very important in particular in a situation in which the upper physiological limits "touch" the limit for the definition of a severe disease (pre-eclampsia).

BMC Nephrology

Lying at an elevation of 200 to 400 feet (60 to 120 metres), the plateau has a steep western scarp and descends gradually eastward, crossing a treeless expanse before touching the outer limits of the Fens, an extensive area of reclaimed marshland near sea level that produces wheat, barley, and sugar beets and other root crops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the average user will probably not touch the outer limits of this storage space in a lifetime, this alone is probably enough to draw dedicated photographers to the service and, more important, bring lapsed users back to the Yahoo fold.

TechCrunch

"You touch the debt limit and you go into default, and that could be irreparable damage to our economy.

The New Yorker

It felt like a race, but between my underpowered Honda and his cornering-challenged Harley, we were barely touching the speed limit.

The New York Times

The dispatch is based on the assumption that the wind power is down regulated only when CHPs are unable to down regulate their production in case of generation excess, e.g. CHPs are operating on their lower generation level (20%% of the online capacity) or AGC dispatch for the CHPs (ΔP CHP) touches the minimum limit.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Dalwood is a painter of strength and wit; his pictures touch upon the limits of the imagination.

The Guardian - Arts

They hug her back, touching beyond the limits of normal social acceptability.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "touched the limits", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's physical, emotional, or metaphorical limits. Add details to help the reader understand the full extent of what has been reached.

Common error

Avoid using "touched the limits" when the situation only involves minor achievements. Ensure the situation genuinely reflects a significant accomplishment or nearing of maximum capacity, rather than a slight improvement or ordinary outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touched the limits" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of reaching a boundary or maximum capacity. This usage is validated by Ludwig AI, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touched the limits" effectively conveys reaching or nearing maximum capacity, suitable for various contexts from athletic achievements to scientific boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While generally neutral, context matters—overuse can diminish impact. Alternatives like "reached the apex" or "pushed the envelope" offer nuanced variations. Remember to use the phrase accurately to avoid overstating achievements. The frequency of the expression is common in news, science and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached the apex

Implies reaching the highest point or peak performance.

pushed the envelope

Suggests exceeding conventional boundaries or standards.

reached the breaking point

Highlights reaching a limit where something is about to fail or break.

attained the maximum extent

Refers to reaching the greatest possible size or degree.

approached the zenith

Describes nearing the highest point or culmination.

stretched to the utmost

Indicates extending something to its furthest possible limit.

hit the ceiling

Implies reaching an upper limit beyond which progress is impossible.

maxed out

Suggests using something to its full capacity.

gone as far as possible

Indicates reaching the furthest extent or degree that is feasible.

achieved peak level

Describes reaching the highest achievable level or state.

FAQs

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

You can use "touched the limits" to describe reaching a boundary or maximum capacity in various contexts. For instance, "By winning a gold medal at five successive Olympics, he "touched the limits" of what any competitor can achieve."

What are some alternatives to "touched the limits"?

Alternatives include "reached the apex", "pushed the envelope", or "hit the ceiling", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "touched the limits" formal or informal?

"Touched the limits" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose alternatives if a more specific tone is needed.

When is it appropriate to use "touched the limits"?

It is appropriate to use "touched the limits" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has reached or closely approached the maximum possible extent or capacity in a given situation.