is capped at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is capped at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a maximum limit or threshold for something, such as a number or amount. Example: "The funding for the project is capped at $50,000 to ensure budget control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Attendance is capped at 30 people indoors.

The New York Times

But the manufacturer's 20-year warranty is capped at $138m.

The Economist

The $15 one-month plan is capped at 250 megabytes.

The New York Times

Payment is capped at 5% of a club's turnover.

The Economist

(The summer program is capped at twenty-eight).

The New Yorker

Compensation is capped at $50,000 per person.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Capital gains taxes are capped at 15 percent.

The New York Times

Gains are capped at that level.

The Economist

Contributions are capped at $2,500.

The New York Times

His liability would be capped at $1 billion.

The New York Times

Cash bonuses at Lloyds have been capped at 2,000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is capped at", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being limited and the reason for the limitation. Be specific with the maximum value to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands what the "cap" applies to. Always explicitly state what is being limited, as in "The number of participants is capped at 30" instead of just "Attendance is capped at 30".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is capped at" is to act as a verb phrase indicating a limit or maximum value. It describes a state where something cannot exceed a specified quantity or amount. Ludwig's examples confirm this consistent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is capped at" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a defined upper limit. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts such as News & Media and Science. Its function is to inform about a specified restriction or maximum value. The related phrases offer alternatives like "is limited to" or "does not exceed", providing writers with options to tailor their language. When using "is capped at", it's important to be specific about what is being limited to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is limited to

Replaces "capped" with "limited", indicating a restriction but with a slightly different connotation.

is restricted to

Similar to "limited to", but emphasizes a more formal or enforced restriction.

does not exceed

Focuses on the upper boundary, implying a maximum value that cannot be surpassed.

is fixed at

Suggests a firm and unchangeable limit, differing from "capped" which might imply potential for adjustment.

tops out at

More informal, indicating the highest point or level that can be reached.

is pegged at

Suggests a fixed association or correspondence to a certain value or level.

is set at a maximum of

A more explicit way to indicate an upper limit, leaving no room for ambiguity.

has a ceiling of

Uses "ceiling" as a metaphor for the upper limit, providing a different imagery.

is bounded by

Emphasizes the constraint or limitation imposed by the upper boundary.

is controlled at

Focuses more on the active control of the limit, rather than simply stating the limit itself.

FAQs

How do I use "is capped at" in a sentence?

Use "is capped at" to indicate an upper limit or maximum value. For example, "The budget for the project "is capped at" $10,000" means that the project cannot exceed that amount.

What can I say instead of "is capped at"?

You can use alternatives like "is limited to", "does not exceed", or "is restricted to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the price is capped to" instead of "is capped at"?

While understandable, "is capped at" is the more standard and grammatically preferred phrasing. Using "to" instead of "at" is less common and might sound awkward to some native English speakers.

What's the difference between "is capped at" and "has a limit of"?

"Is capped at" and "has a limit of" are very similar. "Is capped at" implies a more formal or official restriction, while "has a limit of" is slightly more general and can apply to less formal situations.