upper limits of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upper limits of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the maximum extent or highest point of something, often in a quantitative or qualitative context. Example: "The upper limits of the budget have been reached, and we cannot allocate any more funds for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her sound is bright and clean, if sometimes pushing at the upper limits of pitches.

The New York Times

"A fee of $2,500 tests the upper limits of that," he said.

The New York Times

The university said that it "erred toward the upper limits" of the range of each penalty imposed.

The Guardian - Sport

Please alert readers that a broiler reaches temperatures much above the usual upper limits of silicone cookware.

The New York Times

Italy's tax burden, at 44% of GDP, is reckoned to be close to the upper limits of tolerance.

The Economist

For all the course corrections out there, others believe that the upper limits of the market haven't been tested yet.

The New York Times

where and are the lower and upper limits of.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Probing the upper limits of the scooter's abilities requires a bit more nerve.

BBC

But not everyone agrees that the upper limits of power to weight ratio should raise suspicion.

BBC

Moreover, a definition is given to the lower and upper limits of the normalized ratio.

Engineering Structures

s o and s e are the new lower and upper limits of Equation 15.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the greatest extent of a measurable parameter, use "upper limits of" followed by the specific unit of measurement for clarity. For example, "the upper limits of detection" is clearer than "the upper limits".

Common error

Avoid using "upper limits of" when you actually mean "upper hand". The latter refers to having control or an advantage in a situation, whereas the former refers to the maximum extent or boundary of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upper limits of" functions as a modifier, specifying the maximum extent or boundary of a noun. It often quantifies or defines the highest possible value or degree within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upper limits of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the maximum extent, degree, or boundary of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and applicable across numerous contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. Its usage effectively establishes boundaries or defines the scope of a subject, though writers should be careful not to confuse it with "upper hand". While alternatives like "maximum extent of" and "highest degree of" exist, "upper limits of" remains a clear and reliable choice for specifying maximum boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maximum extent of

Focuses on the degree or scope that something reaches at its highest point.

highest degree of

Emphasizes the intensity or level attained, often implying a peak or culmination.

top range of

Refers to the maximum values or positions within a defined spectrum or scale.

peak level of

Highlights the maximum quantity or intensity achieved at a particular moment or period.

ceiling of

Indicates the upper boundary or restriction that cannot be surpassed.

outer bounds of

Suggests the farthest limits or edges of something, often in a metaphorical sense.

upper echelon of

Implies the highest rank or position within a hierarchical structure.

maximum threshold of

Highlights the point beyond which a certain condition or result is no longer valid or acceptable.

extreme boundaries of

Emphasizes the outermost limits or confines, often associated with exceptional or unusual circumstances.

ultimate scope of

Refers to the greatest possible reach or extent, often implying a final or comprehensive limit.

FAQs

How can I use "upper limits of" in a sentence?

The phrase "upper limits of" is used to indicate the maximum extent, degree, or boundary of something. For example, "The study aimed to determine the "upper limits of" this material's tensile strength".

What are some alternatives to "upper limits of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "maximum extent of", "highest degree of", or "top range of".

Is it correct to say "the upper limit is" instead of "the upper limits of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The "upper limit is"" refers to a single, specific boundary, whereas "the "upper limits of"" often refers to a range or set of boundaries.

What's the difference between "upper limits of" and "thresholds"?

"Upper limits of" generally refers to the highest extent or boundary of something measurable or quantifiable. "Thresholds" indicate a point or level at which something begins or changes, implying a trigger or a condition being met.