ceiling for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceiling for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a limit or maximum level for something, often in financial or regulatory contexts. Example: "The government has set a ceiling for the amount of carbon emissions allowed per year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The ceiling for donations was £7,500.

The Guardian

But it's also … " He paused, searching the ceiling for words.

The New York Times

It's time to shatter the glass ceiling for good.

The New York Times

Sonia Sotomayor has broken 'the glass ceiling' for all Latinas".

The New York Times

Is there a glass ceiling for women in the arts?

The Guardian - Arts

"There's a glass ceiling" for blacks, he tells Ditto.

The New York Times - Arts

So, there is a glass ceiling for British managers?

The Guardian - Sport

He has just completed a ceiling for the Louvre.

The Guardian - Books

Komura stared at the ceiling for a minute.

The New Yorker

"We talk about the glass ceiling for women but there's also the bamboo ceiling for Asian business people".

The Guardian

Our own preference would be to choose the higher ceiling for the benefit of more people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting financial constraints, use "ceiling for" to clearly define the maximum allowable spending or debt. For instance, 'The budget sets a "ceiling for" departmental expenses to ensure fiscal responsibility.'

Common error

Avoid using "ceiling for" when you intend to define a minimum or lower limit. "Ceiling for" establishes the upper boundary, while a "floor for" sets the lower boundary. Mixing them up can reverse the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceiling for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a maximum limit or upper boundary. Ludwig examples show its use in defining limits for donations, debt, and emissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ceiling for" is a common and grammatically correct way to denote an upper limit or maximum value, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts to specify boundaries or restrictions. While alternatives like "upper limit of" and "cap on" exist, "ceiling for" often carries a more formal connotation. When using this phrase, ensure you are setting a maximum, not a minimum, to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upper limit of

Focuses specifically on the maximum permissible quantity.

maximum limit for

Emphasizes both the 'maximum' and the 'limit' aspects.

cap on

Implies a restrictive boundary or constraint.

limit to

Indicates a restriction that cannot be exceeded.

threshold for

Highlights a boundary that must be crossed to trigger a specific effect.

maximum allowance for

Refers to the greatest permissible amount.

top end for

Informal way to indicate the maximum value or range.

maximum value of

Stresses the numerical uppermost level.

highest level for

Identifies the peak or uppermost position.

outer boundary of

Suggests the perimeter beyond which something cannot extend.

FAQs

How can I use "ceiling for" in a sentence?

The phrase "ceiling for" is used to indicate an upper limit or maximum. For example, "The government imposed a "ceiling for" carbon emissions".

What phrases are similar to "ceiling for"?

Alternatives include "upper limit of", "maximum limit for", or "cap on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ceiling for" or "limit for"?

Both "ceiling for" and "limit for" are correct, but "ceiling for" often implies a more formal or official upper bound, especially in financial or regulatory contexts.

What's the difference between "ceiling for" and "threshold for"?

"Ceiling for" indicates the maximum allowable value, while "threshold for" indicates a point that, when crossed, triggers a change or action. For example, "ceiling for" debt versus "threshold for" tax increases.