ceiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ceiling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'ceiling' to refer to an overhead interior surface of a room, which can be flat or arched in shape. For example, "The intricate patterns decorating the ceiling of the grand banquet hall were breathtaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is also a telephone to which only the band's ex-members have the number: if it rings and a museum-goer picks it up, they will find themselves in the disconcerting position of holding a conversation with one of Abba while standing in front of a vast floor-to ceiling photograph of Abba.

The Guardian - Music

She couldn't quite shatter the glass ceiling in 2008, but she vowed that the "18 million cracks" she had etched in it would help ensure it would yield in the end.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the warnings — House Speaker John Boehner said Obama called him last week to reiterate that there would be no compromise on the debt ceiling — Republican leaders refuse to take Obama at his word.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.37pm ET19:37 Question for Carney: Are the budget negotiations and the new debt ceiling tied in some way?

The Guardian

The good news was already "baked in," an analyst tells Reuters: U.S. stock index futures fell Thursday as investors digested a deal agreed by lawmakers in Washington a day earlier to reopen the federal government and raise the debt ceiling in order to avoid a debt default.

The Guardian

Prime minister Tony Abbott says women have smashed just about every glass ceiling in Australia referencing female premiers and former prime minister Julia Gillard as examples.

The Guardian

He caused anger among welfare campaigners by scrapping an increase in child tax credits that will result in an additional 100,000 children dropping below the government's poverty line, and was accused of provoking unions by setting a two-year 1% ceiling on public sector pay increases – well below the current inflation rate.

The Guardian

Media ownership laws allow foreign ownership of non-news titles, but impose a 26% ceiling on news publications.

The Guardian

The caffeteria has huge glass windows overlooking a lush garden, the high ceiling hanging with flamboyant chandeliers.

The Guardian - Travel

Its status as Holyrood's largest party means its spending ceiling is the highest of the Scottish parties; the Electoral Commission's formula allows the three pro-UK parties – Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems – to spend £1.43m.

The Guardian

Workers managed to run away before the ceiling gave way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceiling" metaphorically to represent an upper limit, such as a price ceiling or a debt ceiling.

Common error

Avoid using "ceiling" when referring to the external covering of a building. "Ceiling" is an interior surface, while "roof" is the exterior structure that protects the building from the elements.

Linguistic Context

The noun "ceiling" primarily functions as a noun referring to the overhead interior surface of a room. It can also act as a metaphorical noun representing an upper limit, as Ludwig examples demonstrate. As per Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "ceiling" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the overhead interior surface of a room or metaphorically representing an upper limit, as validated by Ludwig. Ludwig AI shows its grammatical correctness and diverse applicability. Its use is common across various contexts, including news, travel, and business. While grammatically straightforward, it is important to differentiate it from "roof", which refers to the external covering of a building. The term "ceiling" is generally neutral in register but can become more formal in specific professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overhead surface

Focuses on the physical aspect of being above.

inside roof

Emphasizes the interior aspect of the roof.

room top

Highlights the position as the upper boundary of a room.

upper limit

Refers to the highest possible value or level.

maximum level

Indicates the highest point that can be reached.

top boundary

Emphasizes the limit from above.

highest point

General term for the uppermost part.

peak level

Denotes the highest level of activity or achievement.

upper bound

Formal term for the highest possible value.

utmost extent

Indicates the greatest degree or amount possible.

FAQs

How can I use "ceiling" in a sentence?

You can use "ceiling" to describe the overhead surface of a room, such as, "The artist painted a mural on the "ceiling"". Alternatively, you can use it metaphorically to describe an upper limit, like, "The company set a "ceiling" on expenses".

What is the difference between "ceiling" and "roof"?

"Ceiling" refers to the interior overhead surface of a room, while "roof" is the exterior covering of a building. You'd say "The "ceiling" was ornately decorated", but "The "roof" protects the house from rain".

What does "glass ceiling" mean?

The term "glass ceiling" refers to an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to upper-level positions in a company or organization. It suggests that while there are no official policies preventing advancement, subtle discrimination hinders progress.

When is it appropriate to use "ceiling" in a financial context?

In a financial context, "ceiling" often refers to an upper limit on spending, debt, or prices. For example, "The government imposed a "ceiling" on interest rates" or "The company has a debt "ceiling" of $1 million".