maximum allowable

USAGE SUMMARY

"maximum allowable" is a perfectly valid and acceptable term to use in written English.
An example sentence could be: "I am limited to a maximum allowable purchase of $500 for this item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They must also lower the maximum allowable leasing fees.

The New York Times

TurboTax handily calculates the maximum allowable retirement contribution.

The New York Times

The maximum allowable level was 0.1 milligrams, Mr. Ilic said.

The New York Times

Check both your maximum allowable load and tyre pressures.

The Guardian - Travel

The department does not reveal maximum allowable assets.

The New York Times

The new standards would cut the maximum allowable from 50 to 5 parts per billion.

The New York Times

The M2010 Snell standard will drop its maximum allowable g's from 300 to 275.

The New York Times

The maximum allowable limit of "pres 220" in Australian wine is 300 parts per million (ppm).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has given the maximum allowable to almost every competitive Senate candidate.

The New York Times

The maximum allowable number of overnight guests on the Morgan is 40.

The New York Times

Some pipeline operators would have to reduce the maximum allowable pressure under the preliminary rules.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a "maximum allowable" value, ensure the units of measurement are clearly defined (e.g., "maximum allowable" concentration in ppm, "maximum allowable" load in kg).

Common error

Avoid using "maximum allowable" when you actually mean the ideal or recommended value. "Maximum allowable" indicates an upper limit that should not be exceeded, not necessarily a target to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maximum allowable" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase specifying the greatest extent or quantity that is permitted. This phrase is used to set limits or boundaries, ensuring compliance and safety, and it follows the standard grammar rules, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maximum allowable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the highest limit or quantity that is permitted. Ludwig AI confirms its adherence to standard grammar rules. It is frequently used in science, news media, and formal business contexts to establish and enforce restrictions, ensuring safety and compliance. While alternatives like "highest permissible" or "upper limit" exist, "maximum allowable" is a versatile and widely understood phrase. When using this phrase, clearly define the units of measurement to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest permissible

Replaces "allowable" with "permissible", implying a formal authorization or consent.

maximum permissible

Synonymous with "highest permissible", emphasizing official authorization.

upper limit

A more general term indicating the highest quantity or value permitted.

ceiling

Suggests an absolute limit that cannot be surpassed.

maximum extent

Focuses on the degree to which something is permitted, rather than a specific quantity.

top threshold

Highlights the boundary beyond which something is no longer acceptable or valid.

maximum capacity

Emphasizes the greatest amount that something can contain or produce.

peak allowance

Implies a maximum quantity that is granted or allocated.

ultimate permissible

Stresses that exceeding of such limit is not an option under any circumstance.

maximum threshold

Stresses the boundary of something being no longer acceptable or valid, often associated with rules or safety.

FAQs

How to use "maximum allowable" in a sentence?

The phrase "maximum allowable" is used to describe the highest limit or amount that is permitted. For example: "The "maximum allowable dose" of radiation is carefully monitored for safety."

What can I say instead of "maximum allowable"?

You can use alternatives like "highest permissible", "upper limit", or "ceiling" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "maximum allowable limit"?

Yes, using "limit" after "maximum allowable" is often redundant because "maximum allowable" already implies a limit. Simply use "maximum allowable" followed by the parameter.

What's the difference between "maximum allowable" and "recommended"?

"Maximum allowable" refers to the highest permissible value, while "recommended" refers to a value suggested for optimal performance or safety. The "recommended value" is often lower than the "maximum allowable".