payment ceiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "payment ceiling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to financial limits or caps on payments, such as budgets or contracts. Example: "The new policy establishes a payment ceiling of $10,000 for all project expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cameron is encouraged by Van Rompuy's proposed "payment ceiling" – the amount that is due to be paid out – of €940bn, compared to the first European commission payment ceiling of €987.6bn.

The Guardian

Shortly before 6.30am, the EU's 27 leaders filed into the council chamber to debate Van Rompuy's proposal to cut the "payment ceiling", likened to a credit card limit, for the next seven-year budget from €942.8bn to €908.4bn.

The Guardian

Van Rompuy had informally proposed lowering his €971bn budget to €940bn according to the "payment ceiling" which covers the money the EU would distribute rather than the higher "commitment ceiling".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The benchmark Downing Street seem keen to use is the so-called EU payments ceiling - what David Cameron likes to call Europe's credit card.

BBC

There is no co-payment, ceiling or limit on number of services rendered, and members are assigned to one facility based on geographical location.

Health Policy and Planning

In excess of a patient co-payment ceiling of SEK 1, 800 (€195), all additional fill of prescriptions are without charge.

BMC Health Services Research

The co-payment ceiling for expenses incurred within 30 days in an acute ward or within 180 days in a chronic ward was calculated as 6% of the average national income, which came to NT$23,000 per admission in 2001.

BMC Health Services Research

To prevent the public from incurring catastrophic expenses, NHI has established co-payment ceilings.

BMC Health Services Research

Among the measures targeting the demand side are co-payments (e.g. deductable and co-insurance payments and ceiling), limited benefit packages, etc, while those targeting supply side include the use of different provider payment methods, (e.g. capitation, DRG payment, capped global budget), regulation of drug and service prices, controlling the use of high-technologies, etc.

BMC Public Health

Again using a government formula, which says housing should cost 30percentt of gross income, that hypothetical family of four should spend no more that $1,600 a month, either in rent or mortgage payments, the ceiling for housing that meets the "affordable" criteria.

The New York Times

For example, by adjusting the co-payment, deductible, ceiling or both, the services covered are made affordable for the eligible population.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgetary constraints or financial regulations, use "payment ceiling" to clearly indicate a maximum allowable payment amount. This term is particularly useful in formal contexts, such as policy documents or financial reports.

Common error

Avoid using "payment ceiling" when you actually mean a minimum payment amount or a "payment floor". The "ceiling" refers to the upper limit, not the lower one. Using the wrong term can lead to miscommunication and financial misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "payment ceiling" functions as a noun phrase that modifies other nouns or acts as a subject in the sentence. Ludwig confirms its usability, primarily in contexts related to financial limits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "payment ceiling" is a useful term for indicating the maximum allowable payment in various contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability, particularly in discussions related to financial constraints. It is important to note the difference between the term and a "payment floor" which refers to the minimum amount. While frequently used in news media and scientific publications, its neutral register allows for usage across varied audiences. When aiming for semantic variety, consider alternatives such as "payment cap" or "maximum payment limit".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Payment cap

This alternative denotes a firm limit on payments, similar to the original phrase but slightly more concise.

Upper payment threshold

Clearly communicates an upper limit on payments.

Maximum payment limit

This is a more explicit and descriptive alternative, specifying both the upper bound and the nature of the restriction.

Maximum allowable payment

Highlights that payments beyond that amount are not permitted.

Payment threshold

This term indicates a point beyond which payments are either disallowed or altered, implying a limit.

Expenditure ceiling

This alternative broadens the scope to overall spending, rather than just individual payments, suggesting a budgetary limit.

Spending limit

Similar to 'expenditure ceiling', this emphasizes the restriction on the total amount spent.

Financial limit

This phrase is a general term for any restriction on financial transactions.

Budgetary limit

This specifies that the limit is related to a budget.

Payment restriction

Broader term indicating a limitation on payments, without specifying the exact nature.

FAQs

What does "payment ceiling" mean?

A "payment ceiling" refers to the maximum amount that can be paid, often set by a contract, regulation, or budget. It establishes an upper limit on expenditure.

What's the difference between a "payment ceiling" and a "payment floor"?

A "payment ceiling" is the maximum payment amount, while a "payment floor" is the minimum. The "payment floor" ensures a certain minimum payment is made, whereas the "payment ceiling" prevents payments from exceeding a specific amount.

What are some alternatives to "payment ceiling"?

Alternatives include "payment cap", "maximum payment limit", or "upper payment threshold". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

How is "payment ceiling" used in financial contexts?

In financial contexts, "payment ceiling" is used to define budgetary limits, control costs, and manage expenditures within predetermined boundaries. It is common in discussing government budgets, healthcare reimbursements, and project finance.