at a maximum rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a maximum rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the highest speed or capacity at which something can occur or be processed. Example: "The machine operates at a maximum rate of 100 units per hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now most dividends are taxed at a maximum rate of 15percentt.

The New York Times

Long-term capital gains on securities are also taxed at a maximum rate of 15percentt.

The New York Times

Children's tax credit • To be introduced next month at a maximum rate of £10 a week.

The Guardian - Money

Net long-term gains on securities are taxable at a maximum rate of 20percentt for 2001.

The New York Times

And capital gains would go back to being taxed at a maximum rate of 20 percent.

The New York Times

Movement is at a maximum rate of a few inches per day, eventually producing smooth, gentle, concave slopes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is because statutory maternity pay after six weeks is paid at a maximum rate of £124.88 a week – a breathtakingly measly amount.

The Guardian - Opinion

The money, as long as it is kept in an adult's name with a child named as beneficiary, is assessed at a maximum rate of 5.64percentt.

The New York Times

"Even when the adult heart is pumping at a maximum rate, blood flow to the body may increase at most by fivefold".

The New Yorker

Dividends will be treated as ordinary income and taxed at a maximum rate of 39.6 percent, up from the current 15 percent rate for most dividends.

The New York Times

Unrealized capital gains are untaxed, realized gains are taxed at a maximum rate of just 15 percent, and gains held until death are never taxed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a maximum rate", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured. For example, specify if it refers to speed, production, or some other quantifiable aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "at a maximum rate" when you actually mean the average rate. The maximum rate represents the highest possible value, not the typical or average value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a maximum rate" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs, adverbs, or clauses, specifying the highest speed or amount at which an action or process can occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a maximum rate" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe the upper limit of speed or quantity in various processes. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatically correct and its use is very common across different fields, notably science, news, and encyclopedias. To use "at a maximum rate" effectively, remember to specify what is being measured and avoid confusing it with average rates. Consider semantically similar alternatives such as "at peak velocity" or "at top speed" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at peak velocity

Replaces 'rate' with a synonym, focusing on speed and direction.

at top speed

Emphasizes speed, replacing 'maximum rate' with a more colloquial term.

at the highest frequency

Replaces 'rate' with 'frequency', suitable when referring to recurring events.

at full capacity

Shifts the focus to capacity rather than speed.

at an accelerated pace

Highlights the speed, implying a rate faster than usual.

at the fastest tempo

Specifically related to music or rhythmic processes.

at maximum intensity

Focuses on the strength or power rather than speed.

at ceiling level

Indicates reaching the upper limit, not necessarily related to speed.

at uppermost degree

A formal phrasing expressing the highest extent or level.

at a culminating point

Implies an end-point rather than a continuous rate.

FAQs

How can I use "at a maximum rate" in a sentence?

Use "at a maximum rate" to describe the highest speed or amount something can achieve. For example, "The data can be transferred "at a maximum rate" of 100 megabytes per second."

What are some alternatives to "at a maximum rate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "at peak velocity", "at top speed", or "at full capacity".

Is it more formal to say "at a maximum rate" or "at top speed"?

"At a maximum rate" is generally considered more formal than "at top speed". "At top speed" is more colloquial.

What is the difference between "at a maximum rate" and "at a constant rate"?

"At a maximum rate" indicates the highest possible rate, while "at a constant rate" means the rate remains the same over time. They describe different aspects of rate behavior.