within normal limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within normal limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or technical contexts to indicate that a measurement or observation falls within an expected or acceptable range. Example: "The patient's blood pressure readings were within normal limits, indicating no immediate health concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All respiratory variables remained within normal limits.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry

Serum biochemistry was within normal limits.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

All reports were within normal limits.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was within normal limits.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Alpha fetoprotein levels were within normal limits.

Surgical Case Reports

Left eye examination was within normal limits.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Systemic work-up was within normal limits.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Vital signs were within normal limits.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Other investigations were within normal limits.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Laboratory findings were within normal limits.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Intraocular pressure was within normal limits.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, "within normal limits" can succinctly convey that a particular measurement or value is as expected, without needing to list the specific normal range values each time.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "within normal limits" automatically equates to optimal health or performance. A result may be within the normal range but still not be ideal for a specific individual or situation. Always consider the broader context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within normal limits" functions as a predicate adjective describing a noun (e.g., "blood pressure", "test results"). It indicates that a measurement or observation conforms to an established standard or range. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage in medical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within normal limits" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, especially in medical and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a predicate adjective to indicate that a measurement or observation falls within an expected or acceptable range. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalent use in reporting test results and experimental findings. While alternatives like ""within acceptable range"" and ""in the normal range"" exist, "within normal limits" remains a concise and widely understood way to communicate that something is as expected. Remember that "within normal limits" doesn't always equate to "ideal", and the specific context should always be considered. Overall, "within normal limits" is a valuable and reliable phrase in both formal and scientific communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within acceptable range

This alternative uses "acceptable" instead of "normal", emphasizing that the values are within a tolerable or permissible range.

in the normal range

This alternative rephrases the original, placing "normal" as an adjective modifying "range."

within expected parameters

This alternative substitutes "limits" with "parameters", focusing on the statistical boundaries of expectation.

consistent with normal values

This alternative focuses on the consistency of the observed values with what is considered normal.

meeting the standard criteria

This alternative emphasizes compliance with established guidelines or benchmarks.

inside the reference interval

This is a more technical term often used in laboratory medicine to define the range of values for a healthy population.

within defined boundaries

This alternative highlights the presence of explicitly set boundaries that the values fall within.

showing typical results

This alternative uses the word "typical" to denote what is usually observed or expected.

at an acceptable level

This alternative uses a subjective term like 'acceptable' to express that the results are good enough.

demonstrating unremarkable findings

This alternative emphasizes the lack of noteworthy or abnormal observations.

FAQs

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

You can use "within normal limits" to indicate that a particular measurement, value, or observation falls within the expected or acceptable range. For example, "The patient's blood pressure was "within normal limits"." or "All laboratory findings were "within normal limits"."

What are some alternatives to "within normal limits"?

Some alternatives to "within normal limits" include "within acceptable range", "in the normal range", and "within expected parameters". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "within normal limits range"?

Yes, saying "within normal limits range" is redundant. The term "limits" already implies a range, so adding "range" is unnecessary. It's more concise and grammatically correct to simply say ""within normal limits"".

What does it mean when a doctor says my test results are ""within normal limits""?

When a doctor says your test results are ""within normal limits"", it generally means that the values measured in your tests fall within the typical or expected range for healthy individuals. This usually indicates that there are no immediate causes for concern based on those specific test results.