at a maximum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a maximum of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something cannot go above a certain point. For example, you can say "This plan will cost at a maximum of $50."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fees, subsidised by the state, are capped at a maximum of €290 (£250) a month (free for those on low incomes) for five-day, 40 hours a week care.

The Guardian

Future inflation-linked rises are capped at a maximum of 2.5% a year.

The Guardian - Business

Interest on loans to military personnel has been capped at a maximum of 36% APR.

The Guardian - Money

Severance packages will also be capped at a maximum of 24 months, half the previous limit.

The New York Times

It caps adult away tickets at a maximum of £22 if they join our Jack Army membership scheme.

The Guardian - Sport

One term of five years, on a salary set at a maximum of 10 times the average wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fastest-growing countries, including Brazil and Mexico, grew at a maximum of 10% over the month.

The Guardian - Tech

If you get caught with a rough diamond, you're looking at a maximum of 15 years in jail.

The New York Times

The government wanted to cap the amount at a maximum of 16 weeks, equal to four years of service.

The Guardian

The government had valued Royal Mail at a maximum of £3.3bn, and had attacked analysts' valuation of £4.5bn as "way out".

The Guardian

From April 2014 increases in a raft of welfare benefits and tax credits will be capped at a maximum of 1% until 2016.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a maximum of" to clearly define upper limits in regulations, descriptions, and instructions to avoid ambiguity. Ensure the limit is realistic and achievable.

Common error

Avoid using "at a maximum of" when you intend to describe an average or typical value. This phrase specifies an upper limit, not a central tendency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a maximum of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase, specifying an upper limit or the highest possible extent of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a maximum of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to define upper limits across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news articles, scientific papers, and business documents, serving to set clear boundaries and constraints. When using this phrase, ensure you are specifying a true upper limit and not an average or typical value. Consider alternatives like ""up to"" or ""no more than"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capped at

Indicates a firm upper limit has been set, often in official or regulated contexts.

up to

Specifies an inclusive upper limit, similar to "at a maximum of" but can also imply approaching that limit.

no more than

Emphasizes that the quantity or extent cannot exceed the stated limit, offering a more restrictive tone.

limited to

Highlights the restriction to a certain maximum value or extent.

not exceeding

A formal way to specify an upper boundary, often used in technical or legal writing.

a ceiling of

Implies an established upper limit that cannot be surpassed.

a top of

Indicates the highest possible value or degree.

maximum

Functions as a shortened version, often used when the context already implies a limit.

the most of

Indicates the upper boundary for abstract concepts.

upwards of

While technically means "at least", in some contexts, it can imply an expected or typical upper limit.

FAQs

How to use "at a maximum of" in a sentence?

Use "at a maximum of" to specify the highest permissible or expected value. For example, "The session can last "up to" 3 hours" or "The fine is "no more than" $500".

What can I say instead of "at a maximum of"?

You can use alternatives like ""up to"", ""no more than"", or "limited to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "at a maximum of" or "maximum"?

Using "at a maximum of" provides more clarity and formality, especially in technical or official writing. "Maximum" alone may be suitable in less formal contexts where the limit is implied.

What's the difference between "at a maximum of" and "at least"?

"At a maximum of" indicates the highest possible value, while "at least" indicates the lowest possible value. They are opposite in meaning and should not be interchanged.