a cap to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cap to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a limit or restriction on something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The new policy serves as a cap to the amount of overtime employees can work each week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He then fixes a cap to the "front".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Don't dye it," he said, lifting a cap to show his own graying thatch.

The New York Times

Last May, the United States Golf Association set a cap to prevent ever-escalating M.O.I.

The New York Times

"They'll take a cap to some extent, but it is about getting that level right".

The Guardian

The number of credits available nationwide shrinks over time, creating a cap to ensure that pollution levels decline.

The New York Times

But if you have to print "Paris" or "Arles" on a cap to get your message across, the subtlety of vision is written off.

The New York Times

The Redskins slashed 10 veterans as if there were still a cap to worry about and have spent little money since then.

The New York Times

"I'd prefer to see a complete ban but a cap to prevent excessive charges is a big improvement on where we are today".

Independent

A. We believe that ongoing uncertainties about the economic outlook will act as a cap to commodity price appreciation in the coming months.

The New York Times

I've had some funny moments using costumes and hats in the past – giving a cap to one man immediately triggered his Norman Wisdom impression!

The Guardian

Analysts expect such a cap to be part of a comprehensive tax overhaul package that Congress will take up next year, under a broad fiscal framework now being negotiated by President Obama and House Speaker John A. Boehner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cap to", ensure the context clearly defines what is being limited or restricted. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a cap to" when you mean a general limit without a specific boundary. Instead, opt for phrases like "limited" or "restricted" when the scope isn't precisely defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cap to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It serves to introduce the concept of limitation or restriction. Ludwig indicates its correct and frequent use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cap to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a limit or restriction. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and general writing. While alternatives like "a limit to" or "a ceiling on" exist, "a cap to" often implies a formally defined boundary. When using "a cap to", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being limited to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limit on

This alternative directly replaces "cap" with "limit", focusing on the restrictive aspect.

a ceiling on

This alternative uses "ceiling" instead of "cap", implying an upper bound.

a restriction on

This alternative replaces "cap" with "restriction", highlighting the act of limiting.

an upper limit for

This expands the phrase to explicitly state an upper boundary for something.

a constraint on

This uses "constraint" to convey the idea of being restricted or limited.

a check on

This suggests a controlling or restraining influence.

an end to

This implies a concluding or terminating action.

a conclusion to

This focuses on finalizing or ending something.

a stop to

This indicates a halting or cessation of something.

a curb on

This uses "curb" to imply a restraint or check on activity.

FAQs

What does "a cap to" mean?

The phrase "a cap to" signifies a limit or restriction placed on something. It's used to indicate that there's a maximum level or boundary that shouldn't be exceeded.

How can I use "a cap to" in a sentence?

You can use "a cap to" to describe a limit imposed on a quantity or action. For example, "The government introduced "a cap on spending" to control inflation".

What's the difference between "a cap to" and "a limit to"?

While both phrases convey the idea of restriction, "a limit to" is a more general term, while "a cap to" often implies a formal or officially set maximum. The nuance depends on context.

What are some alternatives to "a cap to"?

Alternatives include "a ceiling on", "a restriction on", or "an upper limit for", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.