at maxim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at maxim" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "at maximum," which is used to indicate the highest possible level or amount. Example: "The temperature should not exceed 100 degrees Celsius, so we need to keep it at maximum to ensure safety."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Polina stole glimpses at Maxim.

The New Yorker

Polina looked back at Maxim with apology and exasperation.

The New Yorker

He had swung at Maxim and missed; Maxim had not knocked him down.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Romano, as executive editor at Maxim, Details and Cosmopolitan, wrote and edited articles about sex and relationships.

The New York Times

Mr. Levy has been the chief content officer at Maxim and before that, the editor in chief of Blender and the executive editor of Rolling Stone.

The New York Times

"It is like striptease in your country," said Mohammed al-Qadi, a 28-year-old engineer celebrating his marriage with dinner at Maxim with a few friends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But one need not leave it at a maxim.

The New York Times

"Get changed at once," Maxim said darkly and queerly as I made my entrance.

The Guardian - Books

When I finish at Eustace Maxim's house, he sees me to the gate and stands there.

The Guardian

Finally I fell back on advice from an acquaintance who lives in Las Vegas: there's usually a cheap room at the Maxim.

The New York Times - Travel

RAZOR'S EDGY Aimed squarely at the Maxim demographic — that is, guys in their early 20's who still wear baseball caps to parties — a new video Web spot from Philips Norelco shows just how much further corporate marketers are willing to go online than they are on TV.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey 'at maximum', ensure you use the correct form: "at maximum". This avoids grammatical errors and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at Maxim" when you intend to express "at maximum". "At Maxim" typically refers to a place (like Maxim's restaurant) or a name, not a general limit or peak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at maxim" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, but its grammatical correctness is questionable. Ludwig AI indicates it is not standard English, with many examples referencing proper nouns like Maxim's restaurant rather than expressing a general maximum. It can sometimes be used adjectivally or adverbially to modify a noun or verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at maxim" appears in various contexts, its usage is often grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI notes that it's not considered standard English. The primary issue lies in the confusion with "at maximum", which is the correct way to express the highest possible level. Most occurrences of "at maxim" refer to specific places or entities named 'Maxim', like Maxim's restaurant. To avoid errors, always use "at maximum" when you mean to indicate the greatest extent or peak. When referring to the place, the register will be considered neutral. However, when intending to use 'at the highest level', it misses the mark and it should be 'at maximum' in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at maximum

Corrects the grammatical error by using the standard form to indicate the highest possible level.

at the highest level

Offers a straightforward alternative to express reaching the uppermost limit.

to the fullest extent

Replaces 'at maxim' with a more formal idiom conveying completeness or the highest degree.

at full capacity

Describes a state where something is utilized to its maximum potential.

at its peak

Focuses on the idea of something being at its most developed or intense stage.

at top speed

Indicates the highest rate of motion or activity.

at Maxim's restaurant

Specifies the location being referred to, if the context involves the restaurant.

at the limit

Suggests reaching the boundary beyond which something cannot proceed.

according to the maxim

Uses a phrase for referencing a general principle or rule.

following the principle

Emphasizes adhering to a guiding rule, similar to following a maxim.

FAQs

How should I correctly use 'at maximum' in a sentence?

Use '"at maximum"' to indicate the highest possible level or amount. For example, "The oven temperature should be kept at maximum for proper baking."

When is it appropriate to use "at Maxim"?

The phrase "at Maxim" is appropriate when referring to a specific location or entity named 'Maxim', such as Maxim's restaurant in Paris. Otherwise, use '"at maximum"' to denote a peak level.

What are some alternatives to using 'at maximum'?

Instead of '"at maximum"', you can use phrases like '"to the fullest extent"', '"at the highest level"', or '"at its peak"', depending on the specific context.

Which is the correct phrase, "at maxim" or "at maximum"?

The correct phrase is '"at maximum"'. The phrase "at maxim" is generally considered grammatically incorrect unless referring to a specific entity named Maxim.