within manageable limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within manageable limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is controllable or not overwhelming. Example: "The project was challenging, but we kept the scope within manageable limits to ensure timely completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Disputes are frequent, but most are kept within manageable limits.

The Economist

But individual deaths, by sickness or violence, were not enough to keep the number of prisoners within manageable limits.

The New Yorker

That is, if the storms, droughts, rising sea levels and mass extinctions of species are to remain within "manageable" limits.

The New York Times - Books

He said a series of austerity measures already in the pipeline would be sufficient to reduce spending and bring the country's annual deficit to within manageable limits.

The Guardian - Business

Most optimization procedures used so far have been restricted to particular pulse families to keep the scale of the problem within manageable limits.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

With a second chance to get a political agreement that could – just about – keep carbon emissions within manageable limits, now is the time for campaigners to adopt approaches that will build the deeper public support that is so desperately required.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the chair of the British Medical Association's GP committee, said the government needed to deliver "a properly funded, fully staffed service that can meet the public's needs, and ensure that GPs are able to work within safe and manageable limits".

The Guardian

These ranges were chosen to ensure high-quality embedding, but also to keep the computation within manageable time limits.

Bioinformatics

Ever since the awards were established, there has been a debate among voting critics about how to keep the number of categories within manageable and affordable limits while still representing as wide a spectrum of talent as possible.

The Guardian

This kept the problem apparently within manageable bounds.

The Guardian - Tech

Inflation, it is hoped, will stay within manageable bounds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial contexts, "within manageable limits" can convey responsible spending habits, assuring your readers that expenditures are carefully budgeted and tracked.

Common error

Don't be so quick to limit scope that you stifle creativity or efficiency. Sometimes, carefully considered expansion, although seemingly beyond initial "manageable limits", leads to innovation and breakthroughs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within manageable limits" acts as an adverbial modifier, typically clarifying the extent or degree to which something is controlled or constrained. It is used to define the scope or boundary of an action or situation, ensuring it remains feasible and controllable, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "within manageable limits" is a versatile expression used to convey control and feasibility across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and scientific articles, it denotes situations kept under control and scope, as shown in numerous examples. Although grammatically correct and frequently used, it's important to avoid over-restriction while also ensuring effective management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under control

This phrase implies a state of being governed or directed, suggesting less emphasis on specific boundaries.

within acceptable bounds

Replaces "limits" with "bounds", suggesting a slightly less strict demarcation.

within reasonable constraints

Focuses on the restrictions or limitations, framing the concept more formally.

kept within bounds

More direct and active phrasing.

within the scope of

Implies alignment to a predetermined project or target scope.

within prescribed boundaries

Focuses on formally specified limits or borders.

manageable

A single word substitution indicating simply possible to be managed.

within proper check

Emphasizes maintaining oversight and preventing escalation.

tamed

Informal phrase implying being controlled.

held in check

Implies a forceful prevention of something exceeding acceptable levels.

FAQs

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

You can use "within manageable limits" to describe situations where something is kept under control or at an acceptable level. For example, "We kept the project's scope "within manageable limits" to ensure its timely completion."

What's a formal alternative to "within manageable limits"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "within acceptable bounds" or "within reasonable constraints" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it always best to keep things "within manageable limits"?

While maintaining control is often desirable, rigidity can sometimes stifle innovation. It's important to strategically assess when pushing beyond initial limits might yield valuable results, versus when it truly risks overextension.

What's the difference between "within manageable limits" and "under control"?

"Within manageable limits" implies that something is intentionally kept at a certain level to prevent it from becoming overwhelming. "Under control" suggests a state of being governed or directed, but not necessarily constrained.