within certain limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within certain limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It means that something is allowed or possible, but only up to a certain extent or boundary. Example: "The company allows its employees to make personal phone calls within certain limits." This means that employees are allowed to make personal calls during work hours, but there may be restrictions on the amount of time or frequency of these calls. Another example: "The artist's creativity knows no bounds, but within certain limits set by the gallery owners." This means that the artist is free to express their creativity, but they must also adhere to certain guidelines or rules set by the gallery owners.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So its independence operates within certain limits.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the British colonists generally embraced the Dutch template of tolerance, within certain limits.

The New York Times

The system was capable of categorizing (within certain limits) some basic shapes like triangles and squares.

The New Yorker

"I think it's nothing awful as long as it is within certain limits".

The New York Times

Once outlawed, abortion is now legal and supported by a majority of Americans within certain limits.

The New York Times - Magazine

Under the ETS, CERs are interchangeable with European allowances, within certain limits.

The Economist

George Orwell said, "Within certain limits, the less money you have the less you worry".

The Economist

Such silence unfortunately shows that the Nuremberg Tribunal is only within certain limits an independent judiciary.

The Economist

For therapeutic purposes, it is often necessary to maintain the plasma concentration within certain limits over a period of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The court has also upheld, within certain limits, state programs to keep violent sex offenders in extended civil confinement after the expiration of their criminal sentences.

The New York Times

The federal government insures traditional defined-benefit pensions through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, but it covers benefits only within certain limits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within certain limits", ensure the context clearly indicates what those limits are, or that they are understood by the audience. For instance, state the specific parameters, conditions, or boundaries being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "within certain limits" without providing context or clarification, which can lead to ambiguity. Always try to be specific about the limits being imposed to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within certain limits" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or conditions under which an action, statement, or situation is valid. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase is used to qualify a statement or action, indicating it is true or permissible only to a specific degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "within certain limits" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to indicate that something is true, valid, or permissible only to a specific degree or under particular conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability and grammatical correctness. Its usage spans across various domains, including Science, News & Media, Encyclopedias, and even more casual settings. To avoid vagueness, make sure you are explicit about what the limits are. Alternative phrases such as "to a limited extent" or "subject to constraints" can be used depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with some restrictions

Directly mentions that there are limitations without specifying the nature.

under limitations

A more concise way of expressing the presence of restrictions.

up to a point

Indicates a boundary beyond which something is no longer valid or possible.

to a certain degree

Similar to "to a limited extent" but can also imply uncertainty about the precise limitation.

to a limited extent

Emphasizes the restricted degree or scope, focusing on the degree of limitation.

with qualifications

Implies that statements or actions are not entirely unconditional.

subject to constraints

Highlights the presence of external factors that impose restrictions.

within defined parameters

Specifies that the boundaries are clearly established and measurable.

limited by certain factors

Highlights specific influences that impose a restriction.

under specific conditions

Focuses on the qualifying factors that allow something to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "within certain limits" in a sentence?

You can use "within certain limits" to indicate that something is permissible or possible only up to a specific extent or boundary. For example, "Employees are allowed to use company resources for personal tasks, "within certain limits"."

What are some alternatives to "within certain limits"?

Some alternatives include "to a limited extent", "subject to constraints", or "with some restrictions", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "within certain limits" or "to a certain extent"?

Both "within certain limits" and "to a certain extent" are valid, but "within certain limits" implies that there are defined boundaries, while "to a certain extent" suggests a degree of limitation without necessarily specific boundaries.

What does "within certain limits" mean?

"Within certain limits" means that something is only allowed or possible up to a particular degree, extent, or boundary. It suggests the existence of restrictions or constraints.