a maximum amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a maximum amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to the greatest possible or largest possible quantity of something. For example: "I allowed my employees a maximum amount of vacation days this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Straw promised they would retain their British citizenship and a maximum amount of autonomy.

The Guardian

Maximum benefit – provides a maximum amount of vet fees cover per condition.

The Guardian - Money

Both print companies are being sent into the world with a maximum amount of debt.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In a minimal amount of minutes, he gets a maximum amount of production".

The New York Times - Sports

But will they do a maximum amount of good for the costs?

The Washington Post

What's the running time for finding a maximum amount of n numbers?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

California sets a maximum amount of time an athlete can engage in full-contact physical activity.

Harvard University

This specifies a maximum amount of carbon that new power stations can emit for every kWh of energy produced.

The Guardian

The Federal Communications Commission sets a maximum amount of power for devices using this frequency, so that also limits distance.

The New York Times - Tech

The effect is a minimalist work made from a maximum amount of simple materials.

Independent

A maximum amount of $5,000 may be awarded, based on a student's application and budget proposal.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater clarity, specify the units of measurement when using "a maximum amount of" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "a maximum amount of water", specify "a maximum amount of 10 liters of water".

Common error

Avoid using "a maximum amount of" with abstract or non-quantifiable concepts. For instance, instead of "a maximum amount of happiness", consider using "the greatest degree of happiness" or "utmost happiness", which are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a maximum amount of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the upper limit or the greatest possible quantity of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a maximum amount of" is a versatile phrase used to denote the upper limit or greatest quantity of something, confirmed as correct by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to use it with quantifiable nouns and to specify units of measurement when applicable. While alternatives like "the greatest quantity of" exist, "a maximum amount of" maintains a level of precision suitable for formal communication. This detailed analysis equips you with the knowledge to effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the greatest quantity of

Replaces 'amount' with 'quantity', emphasizing the measurable aspect.

the largest quantity of

Similar to 'greatest quantity', but using 'largest' to denote size.

the highest degree of

Substitutes 'amount' with 'degree', highlighting intensity or level.

the maximum extent of

Replaces 'amount' with 'extent' emphasizing scope or range.

the utmost level of

Replaces 'maximum' with 'utmost' and 'amount' with 'level', suggesting the highest attainable point.

the peak quantity of

Uses 'peak' instead of 'maximum' to imply a culminating amount.

the fullest measure of

Emphasizes completeness or fullness in achieving a certain amount.

the top limit of

Focuses on the boundary or upper threshold using 'limit'.

the ultimate quantity of

Highlights the final or conclusive quantity of something.

the uppermost limit of

Combines 'uppermost' with 'limit' to stress the highest boundary.

FAQs

How do I use "a maximum amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a maximum amount of" to specify the upper limit of something quantifiable. For example, "The recipe requires "a maximum amount of" 2 cups of flour."

What are some alternatives to "a maximum amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "the greatest quantity of", "the highest degree of", or "the largest quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "maximum amount" or "greatest amount"?

"Maximum amount" is generally preferred for formal contexts where precision is important, while "greatest amount" is suitable for more general or informal use. Both are correct, but their connotations differ slightly.

Can "a maximum amount of" be used with uncountable nouns?

Yes, "a maximum amount of" can be used with uncountable nouns like water, time, or effort to specify the upper limit or extent. For example, "We need "a maximum amount of" effort to complete this project successfully."