GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜限りだ
Formally emphasizes the great intensity of an emotion such as joy or regret.
Examples
若い研究者が国際的に評価されたことは、喜ばしい限りだ。
It is an immense joy to see a young researcher receive international recognition.
Words used
協力をいただけたことはありがたい限りだ。
I could not be more grateful for your cooperation.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
限りだto an adjective expressing emotion to formally emphasize the feeling's great intensity. - Basic usage:
協力をいただけたことはありがたい限りだ。expresses deep gratitude for the cooperation received.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Adjective connection
- Connect an i-adjective directly in
喜ばしい限りだ, and a na-adjective withなin残念な限りだ. The construction can emphasize regret as well as joy.
- Connect an i-adjective directly in
- Distinction from 限り marking a scope
知っている限りではlimits a statement to what is known.ありがたい限りだexpresses great gratitude rather than defining the scope of knowledge or a time period.