must not exceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must not exceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a limit or maximum that should not be surpassed, often in formal or technical contexts. Example: "The weight of the package must not exceed 50 pounds to ensure safe handling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Your entry must not exceed 200 words.

The Guardian

Spending must not exceed revenue, he says.

The Guardian

Government deficit must not exceed 3% of GDP.

Encyclopedia Britannica

*The cost of drug benefits must not exceed $400 billion over 10 years.

The New York Times

If borrowers do not repay their loans on time, default charges must not exceed £15.

The Guardian - Money

In sheds, densities must not exceed 27.5kg per sq m ; outdoors no more than 1,000 chickens per hectare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The standard for single-aisle planes, for instance, is that the wings must not exceed 36 meters, or 118 feet.

The New York Times

He has set himself a "golden rule" that over the cycle current spending must not exceed tax revenues.

The Economist

A switching period must not exceed one microsecond.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

–The average portfolio maturity must not exceed 90 days.

Forbes

Until 2004, raceway effluent TP must not exceed a mean net concentration of 0.1 mg/l and TSS must not exceed 5 mg/l.

Aquaculture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must not exceed" in technical writing, always specify the units of measurement to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "the temperature must not exceed 25 degrees Celsius."

Common error

Avoid using "must not exceed" without specifying the units of measurement. Saying "the limit must not exceed 50" is vague; instead, clarify it as "the limit must not exceed 50 kg" or "the limit must not exceed 50 meters."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must not exceed" functions as a restrictive expression, setting an upper boundary or limit that should not be surpassed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely recognized and accepted in formal and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must not exceed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to specify an upper limit or restriction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide acceptance across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal business settings, it sets clear boundaries, ensuring values or quantities remain within acceptable bounds. When employing this phrase, particularly in technical or formal writing, providing specific units of measurement enhances clarity. While alternatives like "should not surpass" or "is limited to" exist, "must not exceed" offers a definitive tone suitable for regulatory or technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot go over

This alternative uses "cannot" instead of "must not", indicating a stronger prohibition, and "go over" replaces "exceed", maintaining the meaning of surpassing a limit.

should not surpass

This phrase replaces "must not" with "should not", indicating a recommendation or suggestion rather than a strict requirement, and "surpass" is used instead of "exceed".

is limited to

This alternative expresses a restriction to a certain value, focusing on the upper boundary rather than prohibiting exceeding it.

must stay below

This phrase uses "stay below" instead of "exceed", focusing on remaining under a certain limit rather than not surpassing it.

may not be greater than

This alternative uses "may not" indicating permission or possibility and "greater than" instead of "exceed", maintaining the concept of a limit.

cannot be more than

This phrase uses a different construction with "cannot be" and "more than", maintaining the concept of a maximum value.

is capped at

This alternative uses "is capped at", which is more specific, suggesting an official or predetermined upper limit.

does not pass

Replaces 'exceed' with 'pass', meaning going beyond an expected amount.

must be no more than

This option expresses restriction by the usage of comparative form 'no more than'.

is restricted to

Changes structure and phrasing to express limits instead of restriction, by saying 'is restricted to'.

FAQs

How do you use "must not exceed" in a sentence?

The phrase "must not exceed" is used to specify an upper limit that should not be surpassed. For example, "The total cost "must not exceed" $1000" indicates that the expenditure should stay within or below the specified amount.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "must not exceed"?

Alternatives to "must not exceed" include phrases like "should not surpass", "is limited to", or "cannot go over". The choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis required.

Is it better to use "must not exceed" or "should not exceed"?

"Must not exceed" implies a strict requirement or prohibition, while "should not exceed" suggests a recommendation or guideline. The choice depends on whether the limit is mandatory or advisory.

What is the difference between "must not exceed" and "cannot exceed"?

The phrases "must not exceed" and "cannot exceed" are often used interchangeably, but "cannot exceed" implies more of an inherent limitation or impossibility, while "must not exceed" suggests a rule or regulation that should not be violated.