of not more than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of not more than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a maximum limit or quantity in various contexts, such as regulations, guidelines, or descriptions. Example: "The package should weigh of not more than 5 kilograms to be eligible for standard shipping."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other colonies of not more than half their military strength have 20 battalions in the field.

Yale University

that has a family income of not more than $32,000.

Cornell University

785, provided for a fine of not more than $50 for postage accounting violations.

Cornell University

The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection for periods of not more than 5 years.

Cornell University

An ownership threshold of not more than 3% of the voting power.

Harvard University

A week before each test, students receive a list of not more than ten questions.

Yale University

Fifteen minutes later, after a set of not more than 45 minutes, the band quit.

The New York Times - Arts

We're looking for original and gripping stories of not more than 4,000 words.

The Guardian - Books

"The commission has elected to delay action for a period of not more than three weeks".

The New York Times

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing endangerment violation, a person shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500,000 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 years, or both.

Cornell University

L. 107 273 substituted "under title 18, or both;" for "of not more than $30,000, or both;" in two places and "under title 18, or both". for "of not more than $60,000, or both". in two places.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of not more than", ensure the context clearly defines what unit or quantity is being limited. For example, specify "of not more than 5 kilograms" rather than just "of not more than 5".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what is being limited. For example, instead of saying "projects of not more than", specify "projects of not more than 100 pages" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of not more than" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a limit or restriction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Examples show it defining maximum values in legal contexts, specifications, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

39%

News & Media

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of not more than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for specifying an upper limit or maximum value. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields, including academia, news, and science. It’s most effective when the limited quantity is clearly defined. While alternatives like "no more than" and "not exceeding" exist, "of not more than" remains a versatile and reliable option for formal and technical writing. Keep in mind that clarity is key, so always specify the units or context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no more than

This variation is a direct synonym, simply rephrasing the original.

not exceeding

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate the maximum limit.

not to exceed

Similar to 'not exceeding', but perhaps slightly more emphatic.

not greater than

This uses a more formal tone, focusing on preventing exceeding the limit.

at most

This alternative uses an adverb to express the maximum quantity or degree.

up to

This option is shorter and more informal but conveys the same meaning of a maximum limit.

less than or equal to

This is a more mathematical or technical way of expressing the upper limit.

limited to

This variation emphasizes restriction to a specific maximum value.

maximum

This alternative uses a noun to indicate the upper limit.

capped at

This option implies a firm upper limit that cannot be surpassed.

FAQs

How can I use "of not more than" in a sentence?

Use "of not more than" to specify an upper limit. For instance, "The essay should be "of not more than" 500 words" indicates that the essay's length should not exceed 500 words.

What phrases are similar to "of not more than"?

Similar phrases include "no more than", "not exceeding", and "up to". All these phrases indicate a maximum limit.

Is there a difference between "of not more than" and "no more than"?

The phrases "of not more than" and "no more than" are largely interchangeable. However, "of not more than" might be slightly more formal in certain contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "of not more than"?

It is appropriate to use "of not more than" in formal writing, technical specifications, or legal documents where a precise upper limit needs to be defined. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "up to" or "at most" might be preferred.