No more than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "No more than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a limit or maximum amount, often in terms of quantity, time, or degree. Example: "You should spend no more than two hours on this task to stay on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No more than $250 total.

The New York Times

No more than I could.

The New Yorker

No more than the usual.

The New York Times - Health

No more than an hour.

Independent

No more than the Cuba example.

The Economist

No more than forty, I should think.

The New Yorker

No more than he could beg her.

The New Yorker

No more than $25 a bottle.

The New York Times - Food

No more than three to five.

The New York Times - Sports

"No more than the framers agreed".

The New York Times

No more than a few dozen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no more than" to clearly define the upper limit of something, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "no more than" when you actually mean "at least". "No more than" establishes an upper limit, while "at least" sets a lower bound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "No more than" primarily functions as a limiter, setting an upper boundary or maximum value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples show it quantifying time, amounts, and other measurable aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "No more than" is a versatile phrase used to establish an upper limit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, as demonstrated by the numerous examples across diverse sources. It functions primarily as a limiter, setting constraints and boundaries. While appropriate for various registers, it is most frequently encountered in neutral contexts like News & Media, showing its utility in clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At most

Focuses on the upper limit, implying that the actual value could be less.

Not exceeding

Emphasizes the act of staying within a boundary.

Up to

Suggests a range with a defined maximum.

A maximum of

Explicitly states the limit.

No greater than

More formal way of expressing the limit in terms of size or amount.

Not over

Simple and direct way to indicate a limit.

Limited to

Highlights the restriction imposed by the upper bound.

No higher than

Similar to "no greater than" but can be more applicable to a vertical scale or ranking.

Not to exceed

Formal and often used in official guidelines or regulations.

At the most

Adds emphasis on the extreme boundary of a potential amount.

FAQs

How do you use "No more than" in a sentence?

"No more than" is used to indicate an upper limit or maximum. For example, "You should spend "no more than" 30 minutes on this task" means the maximum time allowed is 30 minutes.

What can I say instead of "No more than"?

Alternatives include "at most", "not exceeding", or "up to" depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "No more than" or "Not more than"?

Both "no more than" and "not more than" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "no more than" is generally considered more concise and stylistically preferred in many contexts.

What's the difference between "No more than" and "Only"?

"No more than" sets an upper limit, while "only" implies a precise quantity. For instance, "No more than five people" allows for fewer, while "Only five people" indicates exactly five.