within reasonable limits

USAGE SUMMARY

"within reasonable limits" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to stay within acceptable boundaries or boundaries that are rational and sensible. Example: The company has set a budget for employee expenses and it is important for us to stay within reasonable limits to avoid overspending.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Push yourself within reasonable limits.

The New York Times

They are kept within reasonable limits.

The Guardian - Books

Gun control is being kept within reasonable limits.

The New Yorker

Within reasonable limits that is in itself neither improper nor unethical: indeed, it is virtually unavoidable.

The Guardian - Opinion

THE PRESIDENT: Well, will you try to present the summary within reasonable limits?

Yale University

Computations show that the temperature can be kept within reasonable limits in both three-phase reactors.

Chemical Engineering Science

"Within reasonable limits, we shall be leaving troops in the mountains, in the plateau and in the villages," he said.

The New York Times

But foreign legal experts counter that within reasonable limits, the judicial process should not be arbitrarily limited.

The New York Times

But within reasonable limits, challenging recipes do have their place, even if some readers skip right over them.

The New York Times

'to shape its course within reasonable limits by its own conception of the promptings of policy and fairness.

Cornell University

This is performed within reasonable limits of data reliability, sampling error, and in disconnection from theoretical postulates.

Investigaciones Geográficas, Boletín del Instituto de Geografía

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within reasonable limits", ensure the context provides some indication (either explicit or implicit) of what constitutes 'reasonable'. Lack of clarity can render the phrase meaningless.

Common error

Avoid using "within reasonable limits" as a vague qualifier to excuse potential overreach. If you can't define what those limits are, the phrase adds little value and can be perceived as disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within reasonable limits" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the scope or boundary within which an action or condition is acceptable or permissible. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and common in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "within reasonable limits" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to qualify statements and actions, ensuring they remain sensible and proportionate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. While its frequency indicates general acceptability, clarity is key; explicitly defining what constitutes 'reasonable limits' enhances its effectiveness. It's suitable for diverse registers, spanning from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Common usage includes defining acceptable boundaries for actions and conditions, such as flexible work hours or refund policies. Remember, being specific about 'reasonable limits' avoids ambiguity and strengthens communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within acceptable bounds

Replaces "limits" with "bounds", suggesting a slightly broader, less defined constraint.

within permissible boundaries

Substitutes "reasonable" with "permissible" and "limits" with "boundaries" emphasizing authorization and allowance.

within defined parameters

Focuses on explicitly stated or understood criteria.

to a certain extent

Indicates a degree of limitation or qualification, implying not absolute but not unlimited either.

subject to certain constraints

Highlights the presence and influence of restricting factors.

under controlled circumstances

Implies a managed or supervised environment to maintain order or safety.

within specific guidelines

Emphasizes adherence to established rules and instructions.

to a measured degree

Highlights a careful or proportionate approach, avoiding excess.

up to a point

Denotes a restriction, implying that something is true or acceptable only to a particular level.

within practical considerations

Focuses on the realistic and pragmatic aspects that restrict or guide actions.

FAQs

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

Use "within reasonable limits" to indicate that something is acceptable or permissible as long as it stays within sensible or acceptable boundaries. For example, "The company allows flexible work hours, "within reasonable limits" of core business hours".

What is a synonym for "within reasonable limits"?

Synonyms for "within reasonable limits" include phrases like "within acceptable bounds", "to a certain extent", or "subject to certain constraints" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "within reasonable limits"?

While "within reasonable limits" is acceptable, being more specific about what constitutes a 'reasonable limit' can provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "We offer refunds "within reasonable limits"", specify "We offer refunds within 30 days of purchase".

How formal is the phrase "within reasonable limits"?

"Within reasonable limits" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or legal documents, more precise language might be preferred to avoid any potential misinterpretations. For example, prefer "within defined parameters" in technical specifications.