less than the maximum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than the maximum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing a quantity or value that is below the highest possible limit or threshold. Example: "The current temperature is less than the maximum recorded for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He sentenced him to two months less than the maximum allowed under federal sentencing guidelines.

The New York Times

An internal report at Cambridge noted that charging anything less than the maximum could raise doubts over the university's commitment to quality.

BBC

Load curtailment: The RTP supplied by resident c must be less than the maximum variation permitted power.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

So the Knicks are seemingly in position to sign Houston for much less than the maximum.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have never paid less than the maximum UK marginal tax rate," said Gulliver.

The Guardian - Business

Those who receive less than the maximum also collect less than they would in other states.

The New York Times

"Most [MPs] claimed significantly less than the maximum budget limit," Ipsa said.

The Guardian

Over all, the downforce is a little less than the maximum.

The New York Times - Sports

The sentence Dr. Wakasl faces is far less than the maximum of 65 years possible for all the charges.

The New York Times

Actual sentences tend to be much less than the maximum possibilities in white-collar cases involving first-time offenders.

The New York Times

It will be as high as 2.7m – two metres less than the maximum high tide for the town.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing a value to a set limit, use "less than the maximum" to clearly indicate that the value does not exceed the specified upper bound.

Common error

Avoid using "up to the maximum" when you specifically mean the value is below the maximum. "Up to" implies that the value can reach the maximum, while "less than the maximum" clearly indicates it does not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than the maximum" functions as a comparative qualifier. It modifies a noun or noun phrase by indicating that its quantity or value is below a defined upper limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than the maximum" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that a value is below a defined upper limit. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Alternative phrasings include "below the maximum" and "under the maximum". While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from "up to the maximum", which implies the possibility of reaching the limit. As shown by the data, it is frequently used in “News & Media” and “Science” contexts and has neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below the maximum

Replaces "less than" with "below", offering a slightly more concise alternative.

under the maximum

Similar to "below the maximum", this option substitutes "less than" with "under".

lower than the maximum

Replaces "less" with "lower", suitable when referring to numerical or hierarchical values.

smaller than the maximum

Uses "smaller" instead of "less", appropriate when referring to size or magnitude.

not exceeding the maximum

More formal and explicit, emphasizing that the upper limit is not reached.

well below the maximum

Highlights that the value is significantly lower than the maximum.

fewer than the maximum

Applies when referring to a countable number of items rather than a general quantity.

not up to the maximum

Emphasizes the shortfall from the maximum value.

short of the maximum

Implies that the quantity is close to, but not reaching, the maximum.

a fraction of the maximum

Indicates that the value is a small portion of the maximum.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "less than the maximum" in a sentence?

You can substitute with options like "below the maximum", "under the maximum", or "not exceeding the maximum" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "less than the maximum" and "up to the maximum"?

"Less than the maximum" specifies a value below the maximum limit, whereas "up to the maximum" includes the possibility of reaching the maximum. Consider the scenario of a filling a glass with water. If the amount of water is "less than the maximum", the glass will be below the rim. If the amount is "up to the maximum", it could be right at the rim.

Is it more formal to say "lower than the maximum" instead of "less than the maximum"?

While both are acceptable, "lower than the maximum" is typically used when comparing numerical or hierarchical values, whereas "less than the maximum" is more general and applies to quantities and abstract concepts.

When should I use "fewer than the maximum" instead of "less than the maximum"?

Use "fewer than the maximum" when referring to countable items. For example, "fewer than the maximum number of allowed participants" is correct, whereas "less than the maximum amount of water" is correct, as water is not countable.