under the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is within a specified threshold or maximum value. Example: "The speed of the vehicle was under the limit, so the driver was not penalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, we cannot discard that FMDV replicates in MoDCs in vivo but under the limit of our detection method or using a more sensitive method to detect virus.

Plosone

I always drive 10 miles under the limit.

The New York Times

Cue mass drink up trying to get under the limit to get through".

The Guardian - Music

It's interesting how socially acceptable it is to speed, but it's not acceptable to go five miles under the limit.

The New York Times

To remain under the limit, a player could average one technical foul every five and a half games.

The New York Times

This guy was hiding chips in his pocket in order to be under the limit for a rebuy.

The Guardian - Sport

But since then, the Treasury Department has used "extraordinary measures" to continue borrowing money while staying under the limit.

The New York Times

He said he felt strong and comfortable coming at 151lbs, three pounds under the limit, but now he was feeling the full force of the champion's strength.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Schaeffer says you would be surprised at the number of expense-account entries that are suspiciously just under the limit.

The New York Times

But holing myself up in my bedroom, my long-suffering family tiptoeing around me, I got it done: 10 days before the deadline, 900 words under the limit.

The Guardian

After six days, the strawberries and kiwis appeared "under the limit of marketability," even though they suffered no loss of vitamin C and other nutrients.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about data analysis, use "under the limit" to clearly indicate results that fall below a critical value, like in scientific studies or financial compliance reports.

Common error

Avoid using "under the limit" when you mean "at the limit". "Under the limit" signifies being below a certain threshold, whereas "at the limit" means precisely reaching that threshold. For example, if a speed limit is 60 mph, driving at 59 mph is "under the limit", while driving at 60 mph is "at the limit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the limit" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a state of being below a specified threshold or maximum value. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the limit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies being below a specified threshold. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly employed in scientific, news, and formal business contexts to convey compliance, safety, or acceptability. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately representing the relationship between the subject and the specified limit, and consider alternatives such as "below the threshold" or "within the allowed range" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below the threshold

Specifies that something is beneath a designated threshold, highlighting a clear boundary.

under the threshold

Similar to "below the threshold", this phrase stresses crossing under a specific level.

below the specified amount

Stresses that a quantity is less than what has been designated.

less than the maximum

Directly states that a value is smaller than the highest allowable point.

under the permitted level

Focuses on staying beneath an authorized degree or standard.

within the allowed range

Emphasizes adherence to a permitted spectrum or set of values.

not surpassing the restriction

Emphasizes that a constraint is not being violated or gone beyond.

not exceeding the boundary

Indicates that a limit is not being surpassed, focusing on avoiding transgression.

inside the established parameter

Highlights being within a pre-set and acknowledged framework.

within permissible bounds

Highlights staying inside acceptable or allowable restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "under the limit" in a sentence?

You can use "under the limit" to describe something that is below a specified maximum or threshold. For example: "The concentration of the substance was "under the limit" of detection."

What's a good alternative to saying "under the limit"?

Alternatives include "below the threshold", "within the allowed range", or "less than the maximum". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "below the limit" instead of "under the limit"?

Yes, "below the limit" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "under the limit". Both phrases convey the same meaning of being less than a specified threshold.

What's the difference between "under the limit" and "within the limit"?

"Under the limit" typically implies being less than a specific value. "Within the limit" suggests being inside a permissible range, which could include being at the limit itself. The distinction can be subtle and context-dependent.