but not exceeding

USAGE SUMMARY

"but not exceeding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an amount or quantity is limited. For example, "The applicant may receive a maximum of $10,000, but not exceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A sufficiently high but not exceeding metacentric height (GM) is designed for the proposed underwater vehicle.

Ocean Engineering

"Percentages close to but not exceeding 100% indicate better performance towards achieving efficient resource management".

The Guardian

Additional expenses, up to but not exceeding the amount listed below, can be used to increase the cost-of-attendance amount.

Cornell University

For permanent partial disability the workman is to receive compensation in a lump sum equal to the extent of the injury, but not exceeding $1,500.

Cornell University

A monotonic increase in the luminescence intensity is observed with a growth of the Mn content, but not exceeding x = 0.13.

Materials Research Bulletin

18percentt of the score is explained by Tim's essay exceeding the word-count threshold of 1,000 words but not exceeding the limit of 1,300 words.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He has met expectations, but not exceeded them.

The Guardian

Maximum daytime temperatures should be higher than 60 ºF, but not exceed 85 ºF.

University of California, Berkeley

With water quality concerns, managing STP levels to reach, but not exceed, the agronomic optimum range will be increasingly important.

Cornell University

If your diet doesn't provide enough calcium, take a low-dose calcium supplement to reach your RDA, but not exceed it.

Harvard University

The slice thickness should range around 2 mm, but not exceed 3 mm to avoid partial volume effects.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting limits, use "but not exceeding" to clearly define the upper boundary, avoiding ambiguity in guidelines, regulations, or technical specifications. This phrase helps ensure that requirements are precisely understood and followed.

Common error

Avoid embedding "but not exceeding" in overly complex sentences. For clarity, place it directly after the value or condition it modifies. Misplaced phrases can lead to confusion and misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not exceeding" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to establish an upper limit or maximum value. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and suitable for clear communication. The examples show its use across various domains, highlighting its role in setting precise boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not exceeding" serves to set an explicit upper limit, ensuring that a quantity or value does not surpass a defined boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds use across various contexts, including scientific, academic, and news-related domains. While alternatives like "at most" or "not more than" exist, "but not exceeding" lends a sense of precision and formality, making it especially suitable for contexts where clarity and adherence to rules are paramount. When writing, make sure the phrase is placed as soon as is feasible next to the value or condition being modified in order to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to but not surpassing

Focuses on reaching a limit without going over it, emphasizing the upper boundary more strongly.

at most

A more concise way of expressing a maximum limit, suitable for simpler contexts.

not more than

Directly states the upper limit without implying any other conditions.

up to a limit of

Specifies that there is an established upper boundary for the quantity.

capped at

Indicates an officially imposed upper limit, common in formal or regulated contexts.

not going over

Informal phrasing indicating staying within a specific boundary.

without surpassing

More formal and emphasizes the action of not exceeding a certain level.

up to a maximum of

Clearly defines the maximum value allowable, often used in guidelines and regulations.

limited to

Focuses on the restriction itself, highlighting the boundary.

not beyond

States that the quantity should not go past a defined upper limit.

FAQs

How can I use "but not exceeding" in a sentence?

Use "but not exceeding" to set an upper limit or boundary. For example, "The grant will cover expenses up to $5,000, but not exceeding that amount."

What are some alternatives to "but not exceeding"?

You can use alternatives like "at most", "not more than", or "limited to" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "but not exceeding" or "but not overstepping"?

"But not exceeding" is generally considered more formal and precise than "but not overstepping", which can sound more colloquial. Use "but not exceeding" in technical, legal, or academic writing.

How does "but not exceeding" differ from "up to"?

"Up to" implies a range that includes the specified value, while "but not exceeding" explicitly sets that value as the maximum. For instance, "up to 10 items" suggests you can have any number of items from zero to ten, but "but not exceeding 10 items" ensures you never have more than ten.