within the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to staying inside certain boundaries or constraints, whether they are physical, legal, or metaphorical. Example: "The project must be completed within the limits of the budget allocated by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HUMAN movement has limitations, "but within the limits, the variety is endless".

The Economist

The remainder is disposable within the limits of practicality.

The New Yorker

But again that's only true within the limits of reality.

The Guardian

We will accept individual contributions within the limits specified by the statute of $5,000.

The New York Times

But we tended to work within the limits of what was there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These were sensible suggestions wisely delivered within the limits of the court's remit.

The Guardian - Sport

The castaway enjoys absolute freedom – but within the limits of his island.

The Guardian - Travel

Within the limits of these carefully hedged bets, the writers move deftly from fantasy to comedy.

The New York Times

Within the limits of her ability and ambition, she could go anywhere she wanted.

The Guardian - Books

Instead, I would advocate action within the limits of the law and current regulations.

The New York Times

"We have to learn to fight within the limits of the law".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within the limits", ensure the context clearly defines what those limits are, whether they are legal, physical, or ethical boundaries, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "within the limits" without specifying what is being limited. Be precise about the boundaries you're referencing to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within the limits" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or condition is constrained by certain boundaries. As Ludwig AI illustrates, these limits can be legal, physical, or abstract.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within the limits" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote adherence to specific boundaries or constraints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. Its grammatical correctness is unquestionable, and it serves to clarify the scope or extent of actions and possibilities. For effective communication, specify the precise limits you're referencing. Alternatives such as "inside the boundaries" or "subject to restrictions" can be employed depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The high frequency and consistent application of "within the limits" in authoritative sources underscore its importance in clear and precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited by

A direct synonym focusing on the state of being restricted in scope, amount, or extent.

within the bounds of

Very similar in meaning, emphasizing the permissible area or scope of something.

inside the boundaries

This alternative emphasizes the spatial aspect of limitations, focusing on the area or range within which something is contained.

restricted to

This alternative focuses on the specific area or items that are allowed within the limitations.

subject to restrictions

This alternative highlights the presence of specific rules or conditions that limit the scope of action or possibility.

constrained by

This option emphasizes the feeling of being restricted or compelled to act in a certain way due to limitations.

governed by

This highlights the role of rules or laws in setting the limits.

circumscribed by

This emphasizes the precise definition of the boundaries or limits in question.

under control

This focuses on maintaining a state of regulation and not exceeding acceptable parameters.

in accordance with

This phrase indicates that actions or processes are consistent with established rules or guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "within the limits" to indicate adherence to constraints or boundaries, as in "We must operate within the limits of the law" or "The experiment was conducted within the limits of the available technology".

What are some alternatives to "within the limits"?

Alternatives include phrases like "inside the boundaries", "subject to restrictions", or "constrained by", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "within the limits" or "within the boundary"?

Both "within the limits" and "within the boundary" are grammatically correct, but "within the limits" is more commonly used to refer to a set of constraints, while "within the boundary" often refers to a physical or defined area.

What does it mean to say something is "within the limits of possibility"?

Saying something is "within the limits of possibility" means that it is achievable or feasible, given the current circumstances and constraints. It implies that the outcome is not guaranteed, but it is not impossible.