cannot be greater than

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "cannot be greater than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a comparison, suggesting that something is insufficiently greater than something else. For example, "The number of students in the class cannot be greater than 30."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But yet since it may be without infidelity, it cannot be greater than that".

The New Yorker

It is also clear from what has been said why the number of what we call simple bodies cannot be greater than it is.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This sin cannot be greater than our own urge to rationalize and allegorize the recently dead, especially those who were somehow faithful to themselves.

The New Yorker

Our studies indicate that mono-substituted and di-substituted methane isotopologue generations have similar activation energies, suggesting that the highest mono-substitution selectivity cannot be greater than 50%.

Chinese Journal of Catalysis

Shannon made the following general observation: "the amount of uncertainty we can introduce into the solution cannot be greater than the key uncertainty".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The new rules the banks are eager to avoid mean bankers' annual bonuses cannot be greater than their salary – or double their salary if shareholders have given specific approval.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Besides, the pope has said that the Vatican is watched over by the Archangel Michael, and since angels and archangels are recognized by many religions, including Islam, there cannot be greater protection than that.

Huffington Post

In that case, Mr. Silver said, the decrease in education spending cannot be greater, percentage-wise, than the drop in revenue.

The New York Times

On the other hand, reassembling the distance running system after identifying statistically significant variables (on the tacit assumption that the whole cannot be greater or less than the sum of its parts), now requires supplementation with a systems approach.

Injury Epidemiology

Like water through a hose, flow cannot be greater over one length than over an earlier length.

eLife

The extent and quality of local initiatives suggested by policy documents in English for Annex 1 'developed' countries also cannot be assumed to be greater than what may be in place in non Annex 1 countries at the local level.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the units of measurement when using "cannot be greater than" to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "cannot be greater than 100 cm" rather than just "cannot be greater than 100".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be greater than" when you actually mean "must be less than". The former excludes the possibility of equality, while the latter includes it. Using the wrong phrase can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be greater than" functions as a limiter, establishing an upper boundary for a value or quantity. It signifies a condition that must not be exceeded. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be greater than" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an upper limit or constraint. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently used in formal writing, particularly in scientific, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines whether the limit is inclusive or exclusive. For alternative phrasing, consider "cannot exceed" or "must be less than or equal to". By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate limitations and restrictions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot exceed

This alternative emphasizes a limit that should not be passed.

must be less than or equal to

This phrase provides a more explicit mathematical constraint.

is limited to

Focuses on the restriction or constraint imposed.

does not surpass

A more formal way of expressing that something isn't higher than a certain value.

is capped at

This alternative suggests an imposed maximum limit.

is no more than

Indicates a maximum value that something can reach.

is at most

A concise way of stating an upper limit.

may not go beyond

Emphasizes the boundary that should not be crossed.

cannot pass

Highlights the inability to exceed a certain level.

is bounded by

Suggests a limit that constrains a value.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot be greater than" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be greater than" to indicate an upper limit that something must not exceed. For example, "The budget "cannot be greater than" $1000."

What phrases can I use instead of "cannot be greater than"?

Alternatives include "cannot exceed", "must be less than or equal to", or "is limited to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "cannot be greater than or equal to"?

While grammatically correct, "cannot be greater than or equal to" is redundant. It's simpler and clearer to say "must be less than".

What's the difference between "cannot be greater than" and "should not be greater than"?

"Cannot be greater than" implies a strict, often mathematically defined, limit that is not permissible. "Should not be greater than" suggests a recommendation or guideline that, while preferable, might be violated under certain circumstances.