maximum possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"maximum possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing the greatest amount of something that is achievable or allowed. For example, "He tried to get the maximum possible exposure for his business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The maximum possible sentence was five years.

The Guardian

The maximum possible score was 5.

Nature

But surely three episodes was the maximum possible.

The New Yorker

The maximum possible sentence was 5 to 15 years.

The New York Times

"[Theresa May] needs the maximum possible space," he said.

The Guardian

If convicted, the maximum possible sentence is life in prison.

The Guardian

The maximum possible grant is the amount of tuition.

Yale University

So what would be the maximum possible energy available to a portable machine?

The New York Times - Health

At that stage, Manning faced a maximum possible sentence of 20-plus years.

The Guardian

Mr. Lasaga, who pleaded no contest, faces a maximum possible penalty of 110 years.

The New York Times

And who can resist 100-pin bowling (maximum possible score 3,000)?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maximum possible" when you need to define an absolute ceiling in quantitative contexts, such as scores, distances, or legal sentencing, to provide maximum clarity.

Common error

While "maximum possible" is correct, in many simple sentences the word "maximum" alone is sufficient. Only include "possible" when you want to emphasize that the value is the absolute theoretical or legal limit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maximum possible" serves as a compound-style adjective phrase. The word "maximum" identifies the upper limit, while "possible" acts as a qualifier that defines the scope of that limit as the absolute potential boundary. In the context of Ludwig AI examples, it is frequently used in a predicative or attributive position to modify measurements or punishments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "maximum possible" is a highly effective and grammatically sound phrase used to signify the absolute upper boundary of a given range. Ludwig AI reveals its high prevalence across diverse authoritative domains, including legal, scientific, and academic writing. While it can sometimes be perceived as slightly redundant, the addition of "possible" provides necessary emphasis in formal contexts to signal that a limit is not just high, but the absolute maximum allowed or achievable. Writers should feel confident using it to ensure precision, especially when describing scoring systems, legal penalties, or physical limits. For a more varied vocabulary, consider alternatives like "highest possible" for non-quantitative hierarchies or "maximal" for a more technical tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest possible

Uses a vertical metaphor to describe the limit, which is often more common in qualitative or hierarchical contexts

maximum attainable

Suggests a limit that can be realistically reached through effort or specific conditions

greatest possible

Focuses on magnitude or intensity and is slightly more versatile for abstract concepts

maximal possible

Utilizes the technical adjective form, appearing more frequently in mathematical or biological research

maximum achievable

Explicitly links the limit to the potential for success or performance

maximum feasible

Introduces the constraint of practicality, implying the limit is bound by what is realistic

utmost

A more formal and singular word often used for non-measurable qualities like 'respect' or 'importance'

limit of possibility

Rephrases the concept as a noun phrase to emphasize the boundary itself

peak

A concise noun or adjective often used for performance or timing

ceiling

A common metaphorical term used specifically in economics, law, or finance

FAQs

How do I use "maximum possible" in a sentence?

You can use it to modify a noun to show the upper limit. For example, "The judge handed down the "maximum possible sentence" for the crime."

Is it better to say "maximum possible" or "highest possible"?

It depends on the noun. Use "maximum possible" for quantitative data or legal limits, and use "highest possible" for levels, ranks, or physical heights.

What can I say instead of "maximum possible"?

Common alternatives include "maximal possible", "greatest possible", or simply "the maximum" depending on the context.

Is "maximum possible" redundant?

While "maximum" already implies the top limit, adding "possible" emphasizes that no higher value is achievable. It is a common emphatic structure in English writing.