maxes out

USAGE SUMMARY

"maxes out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to reach the maximum or highest level possible. Example: Her credit card was maxed out after she went on a shopping spree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

That credit maxes out at $1,000 per child.

The Washington Post

It probably maxes out at 55 miles per hour.

The New York Times

The policy maxes out at $250,000 per condition per lifetime.

The New York Times - Health

Jeff Varasano tried running the oven on the cleaning cycle, which maxes out the heat.

The New York Times

The Ultrabook is an ultra-slim laptop (think MacBook Air) that maxes out at 0.8 inches thick.

The New York Times

The credit maxes out at $6,269 this year for families with three or more children.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Smaug maxed out at £42.9m.

The Guardian - Film

Bolt eventually maxed out around £18m.

The Guardian - Film

"My card was maxed out," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My business is maxed out," he said.

The New York Times

"I maxed out my credit cards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maxes out" to clearly indicate when a quantifiable limit or capacity is reached. For example, "The savings account maxes out at $5,000."

Common error

Avoid using "maxes out" when referring to subjective limits or opinions. It is best used for concrete, measurable values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maxes out" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of reaching a maximum limit or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "max out".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maxes out" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the point at which something reaches its maximum capacity or limit. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used and accepted in English. Its frequent appearance in news and media contexts highlights its versatility and general understanding. Alternatives such as ""reaches its limit"" or "tops out at" can provide variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. When using "maxes out", ensure the subject is singular and the context involves a quantifiable or measurable limit. It's a practical term for clearly communicating boundaries and thresholds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reaches its limit

Focuses on attaining the highest possible point or boundary.

peaks at

Emphasizes the attainment of a maximum value at a specific point.

tops out at

Highlights the act of reaching a maximum level, especially in a gradual manner.

reaches a maximum of

Formally states the attainment of the highest possible quantity or degree.

is capped at

Implies an externally imposed upper limit.

goes up to

Suggests an upward movement culminating in a final, maximum value.

attains its highest level

Stresses the achievement of a peak point after a period of progression.

culminates in

Highlights the final result of a process, indicating the highest point.

is maximized at

Indicates a state where something is brought to its greatest potential.

reaches full capacity

Implies that the maximum amount or volume has been achieved or utilized.

FAQs

How can I use "maxes out" in a sentence?

You can use "maxes out" to describe a limit being reached, as in: "The credit card "reaches its limit" at $5,000." or "The natural human life span "peaks at" about 115 years."

What are some alternatives to "maxes out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""reaches its limit"", "tops out at", or "is capped at" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "max out" instead of "maxes out"?

The form "maxes out" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb phrase "max out". Use "maxes out" when the subject is singular, such as "he", "she", or "it". For example, "The account "reaches a maximum of" $10,000."

What does "maxes out" imply in a technical context?

In a technical context, "maxes out" often refers to the maximum capacity or performance level of a system or device, such as memory or speed. For example, "The laptop "reaches full capacity" at 8GB of RAM."