not greater than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not greater than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical or comparative contexts to indicate that one value is equal to or less than another. Example: "The maximum allowable weight for this package is not greater than 50 pounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not greater than my daddy," she said.

The New Yorker

Often it's not greater than chance," says Ames.

Harvard Business Review

For defense business systems, not fewer than two systems and not greater than eight systems.

Cornell University

the amount of which is not greater than $1,500,000.

Cornell University

He affirmed that the expansion was not greater than the speed of light.

Cornell University

This will tell us that the answer is no, 4 is not greater than 5.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, its anti-HCMV potency is not greater than that of GCV.

Antiviral Research

The experimental results show that the measuring error is not greater than ±0.01°.

Optics & Laser Technology

The experimental results show that the measuring error is not greater than 0.1 g.

Optics & Laser Technology

However, the variation is not greater than for studied natural aggregates.

Waste Management Series

The sum of their parts are not greater than their whole".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not greater than" in technical writing, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider using "less than or equal to" for mathematical clarity.

Common error

Avoid misinterpreting "not greater than" as "greater than or equal to". "Not greater than" means the value must be either less than or equal to the specified limit, while "greater than or equal to" is the inverse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not greater than" functions as a relational operator, establishing a condition where one value is either less than or equal to another. Ludwig examples showcase its role in setting limits or constraints in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not greater than" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a value is either less than or equal to a specified limit. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely employed across diverse fields such as science, news media, and academia. While alternatives like "less than or equal to" or "no more than" exist, understanding the precise meaning of "not greater than" is crucial to prevent misinterpretations. When writing, be mindful of the context and avoid confusing it with "greater than or equal to". It is important to note that The phrase "not greater than" functions as a relational operator, establishing a condition where one value is either less than or equal to another. Ludwig examples showcase its role in setting limits or constraints in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than or equal to

This phrase is a direct mathematical equivalent, expressing that a value can be smaller or the same.

no more than

This is a common and versatile alternative, suitable for most contexts.

at most

This option emphasizes the upper limit of a value.

up to

This indicates a maximum limit, often used for quantities or amounts.

does not exceed

This is a more formal way of expressing a limit.

not exceeding

Similar to 'does not exceed', but phrased as a participle.

not above

This is a more direct, though less common, way of setting an upper limit.

under or equal to

This is a less common but grammatically valid alternative.

not surpassing

A formal way of indicating that a value doesn't go beyond a certain point.

capped at

This phrase is useful when discussing limits or restrictions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not greater than" in simpler terms?

You can often substitute "not greater than" with phrases like "no more than" or "at most" for clarity, depending on the context.

Is there a mathematical symbol equivalent to "not greater than"?

Yes, the mathematical symbol for "not greater than" is ≤, which means less than or equal to.

What's the difference between "not greater than" and "less than"?

"Not greater than" includes the possibility of being equal to a value, whereas "less than" excludes that possibility. If x is not greater than 5, then x can be 5 or any number smaller. If x is less than 5, x can only be any number smaller than 5.

Can "not greater than" be used interchangeably with "less than or equal to"?

Yes, "not greater than" and "less than or equal to" are semantically identical and can be used interchangeably in all contexts.