a ceiling of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ceiling of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limit or maximum level of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The government has set a ceiling of $10,000 on the amount of financial aid available to students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The foyer has a ceiling of exposed wood beams.

The New York Times

The restaurant sets a ceiling of 118 degrees.

The New York Times - Arts

There has to be a ceiling of respect".

The New York Times

And it has set a ceiling of around 2,400 euros a month for pensions.

The New York Times

But my worry is that we have hit a ceiling of sorts.

The New York Times

Can it keep growing? A. I think we've broken a ceiling of skating as a novelty.

The New York Times - Sports

That compares with a ceiling of 975 billion euros for the current seven-year period.

The New York Times

Online companies pay 1% tax with a ceiling of €500,000 a year.

The Guardian

Congress in 1971 decided to put a ceiling of $400 billion on our ability to borrow.

The New York Times

Individual tax rates currently have a ceiling of 39.6percentt and a floor of 10percentt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They also put an absorber--a ceiling of sorts--above the bouncing neutrons.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a ceiling of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being limited. For example, specify units (e.g., "a ceiling of 1000 units") or provide a clear point of reference (e.g., "a ceiling of last year's budget").

Common error

Avoid using "a ceiling of" without clearly defining what is being limited. For instance, saying "the project has a ceiling of" is vague; specify "the project has a ceiling of $50,000" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ceiling of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate an upper limit or maximum value. Ludwig shows that it's used to define boundaries or restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a ceiling of" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates an upper limit or maximum value. As Ludwig highlights, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles, from news and business to scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being limited when using the phrase. Remember to use alternative phrases like "a maximum of" or "an upper limit of" to add variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a ceiling of" to set clear boundaries and expectations in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an upper limit of

Emphasizes the restricting aspect, focusing on the maximum permissible value.

a maximum of

Highlights the highest possible quantity or degree.

a cap of

Suggests a formal or imposed restriction, often in financial contexts.

a threshold of

Indicates a point that must be exceeded to achieve a certain result.

an apex of

Denotes the highest point or peak, often referring to achievement or success.

a boundary of

Stresses the limitation or border that cannot be crossed.

a restriction of

Focuses on the act of limiting or restraining something.

a culmination of

Implies the final or highest point in a series or process.

a parameter of

Highlights that something is within established guidelines or range.

a limitation of

Directly states the presence of a constraint or restriction.

FAQs

How can I use "a ceiling of" in a sentence?

Use "a ceiling of" to indicate an upper limit or maximum value. For example, "The budget has "a ceiling of" $1 million" means the budget cannot exceed that amount.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a ceiling of"?

Alternatives include "a maximum of", "an upper limit of", or "a cap of" depending on the context. Each emphasizes the idea of a limit or restriction.

When is it appropriate to use "a ceiling of" rather than "a limit of"?

"A ceiling of" is often used when referring to a maximum or upper bound that cannot be exceeded. "A limit of" is more general and can refer to either upper or lower bounds. While they're often interchangeable, "a ceiling of" specifically implies an upper restriction.

Is "a ceiling of" formal or informal language?

"A ceiling of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, business reports, and scientific papers, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.