paid the maximum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paid the maximum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the highest amount of money that has been paid for a service, fee, or fine. Example: "After reviewing the charges, I realized I had paid the maximum for the premium service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

While Kittles is not being paid the maximum, he was nonetheless included in Casey's thoughts.

The New York Times - Sports

He paid the maximum price in perceived inauthenticity, for no return in votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

But she has paid the maximum penalty for an athlete having that kind of transgression at this point".

The New York Times - Sports

Only four companies paid no bonus to executive directors, it said, while seven companies paid the maximum amount possible.

The Guardian - Business

In other words, these travelers enjoyed the same no-traffic, high-speed trip as those who paid the maximum fee.

The Washington Post

Making sure that everyone paid the maximum amount of tax in Britain, he argued, is a "British principle".Maybe.Maybe

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Seven of them were then ordered to pay the maximum fine of $123,000 (all have appealed).

The Economist

For a worker paying the maximum tax, it would provide savings of $2,136.

The New York Times

The state Insurance Reserve Fund, which insures many governments in the state, will pay the maximum it is allowed under law of $1m.

The Guardian

By resigning, she walked away from the biggest part of her pension; traditional plans normally pay the maximum to those who stay 30 years.

The New York Times

"We advise clients to pay the maximum up front and limit borrowing to between20percentand30percentrcent of purchase price," said Mr. de la Selle at Agri France.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial transactions, ensure that the context clearly defines what the "maximum" refers to. Be specific about the type of payment (e.g., tax, fine, contribution).

Common error

Don't assume the reader knows what the "maximum" refers to. Without context, the phrase ""paid the maximum"" can be vague. Always specify what the maximum payment was for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""paid the maximum"" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the completion of a payment at the highest possible level. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""paid the maximum"" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate that the highest possible payment has been made. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English and commonly appears in news and media contexts. While not overly frequent, its meaning is clear, conveying that a payment threshold has been reached. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to provide context regarding what the "maximum" refers to. Alternatives like "paid top dollar" or "paid the highest amount" can be used for variety, but ""paid the maximum"" remains a direct and effective way to communicate the concept of reaching the highest payment level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paid the highest amount

This is a direct synonym, replacing "maximum" with "highest amount" for clarity.

paid top dollar

This alternative implies paying a high price, suggesting it's the maximum amount within a range, often for quality.

remitted the maximum

Replaces 'paid' with 'remitted', implying a formal or official payment.

fulfilled the maximum payment

The phrase implies reaching or meeting maximum quota of a payment.

contributed the maximum

This suggests a contribution, like to a campaign or fund, at the highest allowable limit.

paid out the most

Highlights the fact of spending the most money.

settled at the maximum rate

Implies agreement to pay a debt or fee at its highest possible level.

expended the maximum amount

This alternative is a more formal substitute, implying spending or using the highest possible quantity of money

paid the uppermost fee

The phrase 'uppermost fee' indicates the highest fee amount due for a service.

shelled out the most

Implies a sense of reluctance of spending the maximum amount.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "paid the maximum"?

You can use alternatives like "paid top dollar", "paid the highest amount", or "contributed the maximum" depending on the context.

What does it mean to say someone "paid the maximum"?

It means that someone has paid the highest amount possible or required for something, such as a fee, fine, tax, or contribution.

Is it correct to say "paid the maximum amount"?

Yes, "paid the maximum amount" is grammatically correct and nearly synonymous with ""paid the maximum"". The addition of "amount" simply adds emphasis.

What is the difference between "paid the maximum" and ""paid top dollar""?

""Paid the maximum"" indicates paying the highest possible amount, while ""paid top dollar"" implies paying a premium price, often for high quality, even if not the absolute highest price available.