a cap of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cap of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific quantity or measurement of a substance, often in cooking or when discussing liquids. Example: "Add a cap of vinegar to the mixture for extra flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This he guaranteed by setting a cap of 250,000 flights a year.

The Economist

He recommended setting a cap of £35,000.

Independent

I would like to have a cap of silence.

The New York Times - Tech

Andrew Dilnot had proposed a cap of around £35,000.

The Guardian

He suggested a cap of £5,000 per donor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, for example, charged $10 per prescription with a cap of $30.

The New York Times

The Lords, battling for changes, put forward a cap of 3%.

The Guardian

She studied secretarial administration, and has a klieg-light smile and a cap of braids.

The New York Times

In New York, they are as high as 70percentt, with a cap of $500,000.

The New York Times

Above them is a cap of black-pepper ice cream, melting in the crevices.

The New York Times - Food

Putting up a modest resistance, the State Department proposed a cap of fifty thousand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cap of" to denote a limit, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited. For instance, "a cap of $1000 on expenses" is more specific than simply "a cap of $1000".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what the ""cap of"" applies to. For example, instead of writing 'The project has a cap of 50', specify 'The project has a cap of 50 employees'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cap of" primarily functions as a quantifier or limiter. It specifies an upper bound or maximum value for a particular noun. Ludwig identifies numerous examples showing this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Food

8%

Huffington Post

7%

TechCrunch

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cap of" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating an upper limit or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, most notably in news, media, scientific and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being limited. Related phrases like "a maximum of" or "a limit of" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limit of

A direct synonym, indicating a restriction on quantity or extent.

a maximum of

Indicates an upper limit, similar to a cap, but emphasizes the highest permissible value.

a ceiling of

Suggests an imposed limit, often in a financial or regulatory context.

an upper bound of

A more formal way of expressing a maximum limit or threshold.

a covering of

Refers to something that covers or overlays, suitable when "a cap of" is used in a physical sense.

a restriction of

Emphasizes the act of restricting or limiting something.

a quota of

Implies a specific, often officially determined, quantity or allowance.

a quantity of

Focuses on the amount or number, applicable when "a cap of" refers to a specific quantity.

a layer of

Describes something that forms a covering surface, similar to a cap in a physical sense.

a topping of

Describes something that is put on top of something else, used when talking about food.

FAQs

How do I use "a cap of" in a sentence?

The phrase "a cap of" is used to indicate an upper limit or maximum. For example, "There is "a cap of" 100 attendees at the event" means the event cannot have more than 100 attendees.

What are some alternatives to "a cap of"?

You can use alternatives like "a maximum of", "a limit of", or "a ceiling of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a cap of" or "the cap is"?

The choice depends on the context. "A cap of" introduces a new limit, while "the cap is" refers to an already established limit. For instance, "The budget has "a cap of" $5000," versus "The cap is $5000, as previously agreed."

How does the meaning of "a cap of" change in different contexts?

The fundamental meaning of ""a cap of"" remains consistent (an upper limit), but its application varies. It can refer to financial limits (""a cap of" $1000"), quantity limits (""a cap of" 50 people"), or even physical coverage (""a cap of" snow").