cannot be exceeded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be exceeded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a limit or maximum that should not be surpassed in various contexts, such as regulations, measurements, or capacities. Example: "The weight limit for this elevator is 1,000 pounds, which cannot be exceeded for safety reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The rapacity of the landlords surely cannot be exceeded anywhere in the world.

The Guardian

Either this figure cannot be exceeded at all (except by amending the constitution) or it can be exceeded only with the approval of the voters at an election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rejecting Shankara's conception of reality, Ramanuja defended the thesis that brahman is a being with infinitely perfect excellent virtues, a being whose perfection cannot be exceeded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Quotas " 'impose a fixed number or percentage which must be attained, or which cannot be exceeded,' " and "insulate the individual from comparison with all other candidates for the available seats".

The New York Times

That would be close to the 80 million tons of wild fish caught in open seas, a maximum that cannot be exceeded because of restrictive fishing quotas to protect species.

The New York Times

But the trouble with perfection is that it cannot be exceeded, which may explain why Egyptian art changed so little over its 5,000 years (and why fascists are so fond of it).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

However, if cyclic dependencies exist that cannot be decomposed well, this time might be exceeded.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Even if an overestimation of the presented proportions of adults with DFE intake above the recommended intakes cannot be excluded, exceeding the UL remains a relevant subject.

European Journal of Nutrition

If a level of minimal concern cannot be defined or it is exceeded by the exposures, the assessor will skip this Step and go to Step 5.

Environmental Sciences Europe

My husband relishes driving in countries that use the metric system, because in kilometers I cannot instantly tell whether he's exceeding the speed limit.

The New York Times

Scientists estimate that more than two thirds of known fossil fuel reserves cannot be burned without exceeding the threshold for dangerous climate change impacts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting rules or limitations, use "cannot be exceeded" to clearly communicate that a strict boundary exists. For example, "The budget for this project cannot be exceeded without prior approval."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be exceeded" when you intend to express a recommendation rather than an absolute rule. In such cases, phrases like "should not be exceeded" or "is not recommended to exceed" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be exceeded" functions as a passive construction expressing a prohibition or a strict limitation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it emphasizes that a particular value or boundary must not be surpassed. It is commonly used to state rules, regulations, or physical constraints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be exceeded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to indicate a strict limitation or boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to clearly communicate that a certain value or limit must not be surpassed. It is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, suggesting a formal and technical register. Remember that while "cannot be exceeded" expresses an absolute rule, alternatives like "should not be exceeded" convey a recommendation. Therefore, choose the phrasing carefully based on the desired level of constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be surpassed

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct imperative.

should not be surpassed

Conveys a recommendation rather than a strict rule.

may not be exceeded

Indicates permission rather than capability.

is the maximum

Presents the limit as a defined value.

is the upper limit

Emphasizes the boundary or restriction.

is capped at

Suggests a deliberate setting of a limit.

is restricted to

Focuses on the act of limiting or controlling.

is the ceiling

Uses a metaphor for the highest possible point.

is the highest allowable

Specifies that the limit is officially permitted.

is the ultimate boundary

Emphasizes the finality of the limit.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be exceeded" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be exceeded" to indicate an absolute limit that must not be surpassed. For example, "The maximum number of participants cannot be exceeded."

What can I say instead of "cannot be exceeded"?

You can use alternatives like "must not be surpassed", "is the maximum", or "is restricted to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot be exceeded" or "should not be exceeded"?

"Cannot be exceeded" implies a strict rule that must be followed. "Should not be exceeded" suggests a recommendation that is generally advisable but not necessarily mandatory.

What's the difference between "cannot be exceeded" and "may not be exceeded"?

"Cannot be exceeded" indicates an impossibility or prohibition, while "may not be exceeded" suggests permission is not granted to surpass the limit. The former is stronger and more definitive.