be capped at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be capped at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a limit or maximum amount that something can reach or be set to. Example: "The budget for this project will be capped at $50,000 to ensure we do not overspend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The maximum fee should be capped at £3,000.

The Guardian

Membership will be capped at 350, Mayor Austin said.

The New York Times

This means ticket prices will be capped at £20.

The Guardian - Business

Rents should be capped at a truly affordable level.

The Guardian

The affordability threshold would be capped at 60%.

The Guardian

His liability would be capped at $1 billion.

The New York Times

Under the proposal, it would be capped at 140 feet.

The New York Times

Care costs should be capped at £35,000, Dilnot says.

The Guardian

Canada accepted that its share of the American market be capped at 34%.

The Economist

That special contribution will be capped at $1 million, he said.

The New York Times

Nuclear-armed missiles and heavy bombers would be capped at 700 each.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be capped at", ensure the limit you are setting is clearly defined and quantifiable. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the intended restriction is understood.

Common error

Be specific when stating the limit with "be capped at". Instead of saying "expenses will be capped", specify "expenses will "be capped at" $500 per month" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be capped at" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that a limit or maximum has been placed on something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it specifying limits in various contexts, from monetary values to quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be capped at" is a versatile and frequently used passive construction for setting a maximum limit or boundary. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. As seen in the provided examples, it appears most often in news and business settings, though it maintains a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the specified limit is clear and quantifiable to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "be limited to" or "not exceed" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be limited to

Indicates a restriction to a specific maximum value or extent.

be restricted to

Emphasizes a constraint or limitation imposed on something.

not exceed

Focuses on preventing something from going beyond a certain limit.

be pegged at

Suggests a fixed or stable limit, often in a financial context.

be set at a maximum of

Specifies that a value cannot surpass a defined upper boundary.

be fixed at

Implies a predetermined and unchangeable limit.

top out at

Informal way of indicating the highest possible level.

be ceilinged at

Less common but emphasizes an upper limit, like a ceiling.

be bounded by

Highlights the existence of a boundary or limit.

be controlled at

Indicates a regulated limit, often by an external authority.

FAQs

How can I use "be capped at" in a sentence?

Use "be capped at" to indicate that something has a maximum limit. For example, "The number of participants will "be capped at" 50".

What are some alternatives to "be capped at"?

You can use alternatives like "be limited to", "be restricted to", or "not exceed" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be capped at" or "be limited to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Be capped at" often implies a formally set maximum, while "be limited to" can indicate a more general restriction.

What does "be capped at" mean in a financial context?

In finance, "be capped at" means that a certain value, such as an expense or investment amount, cannot exceed a specified maximum. For example, "Investment losses will "be capped at" 10%".