set a ceiling

USAGE SUMMARY

'set a ceiling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a limit or upper limit that you put in place in order to avoid something exceeding an acceptable level. For example, "The company set a ceiling on overtime hours to ensure employees are given enough time for rest and leisure activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And it has set a ceiling of around 2,400 euros a month for pensions.

The New York Times

But Mendocino County has set a ceiling of three gift sets per broker.

The New York Times

The number of screeners is down because Congress set a ceiling on the agency's employment.

The New York Times - Travel

You set a ceiling which would be different on different types of loans.

The Guardian - Money

This, it seems, will always set a ceiling on compensation in privacy claims.

The Guardian

The record, as then developed, "lack[ed] any evidence that the FDA set a ceiling on this matter". Ibid.

Cornell University

The value of loans being written does not set a ceiling on the amount of losses they can generate.

The Economist

According to current instructions Chelsea will set a ceiling of between £18m and £19m on the deal.

The Guardian - Sport

Since 1980, presidents have set a ceiling on how many refugees the US may admit each year.

The Guardian - Opinion

The committee will also set a ceiling on supplemental spending that can be allocated after a budget is adopted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The restaurant sets a ceiling of 118 degrees.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set a ceiling" when you want to emphasize an upper limit that is intentionally imposed to regulate or control a quantity, value, or rate. For example, setting a limit on carbon emissions or budget spending.

Common error

Avoid using "set a ceiling" without specifying what the ceiling applies to. Saying "We set a ceiling" is vague; clarify with "We set a ceiling on project costs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a ceiling" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of establishing an upper limit or restriction. Ludwig shows its common usage across different contexts. This phrase is used to define a maximum or cap on something, as seen in examples related to budgets, emissions, and spending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a ceiling" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies establishing an upper limit or restriction. Grammatically sound, it is common across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. While related phrases like "impose a limit" or "cap the amount" offer similar meanings, the core idea remains consistent: to define a boundary. Effective use involves clear specification of what the ceiling applies to, and understanding that a ceiling represents a maximum, unlike a threshold which triggers an action. With high source quality and expert validation, "set a ceiling" is a reliable and understood expression for conveying limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Set a maximum

Direct synonym, simply using "maximum" instead of "ceiling".

Establish a limit

A more general way to express setting a restriction.

Cap the amount

Uses "cap" as a verb, implying a firm and often legally binding limit.

Place a restriction

Highlights the restrictive nature of the ceiling, focusing on what's not allowed above it.

Impose a limit

Focuses on the action of imposing, suggesting authority or enforcement in establishing the ceiling.

Define the upper limit

Emphasizes the act of defining, making the limit clear and explicit.

Establish an upper bound

More formal and technical, emphasizing the mathematical or statistical nature of the limit.

Fix the upper level

Uses "fix" to convey a sense of permanence and stability in the ceiling.

Set a threshold

Indicates a level that, if crossed, triggers a different action or state.

Put a lid on

Informal expression meaning to control or restrain something; implies keeping something under control and preventing it from increasing.

FAQs

How can I use "set a ceiling" in a sentence?

You can use "set a ceiling" to indicate establishing an upper limit on something. For example, "The government decided to "set a ceiling" on carbon emissions to combat climate change."

What are some alternatives to saying "set a ceiling"?

Alternatives include "impose a limit", "establish an upper bound", or "cap the amount", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "setting a ceiling" instead of "set a ceiling"?

"Setting a ceiling" is a gerund phrase that can be used as a noun in a sentence, while "set a ceiling" is an infinitive form. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage differs. For instance, "Setting a ceiling is important for budget control."

What's the difference between "set a ceiling" and "set a threshold"?

"Set a ceiling" implies establishing an upper limit, while "set a threshold" indicates a level that, if crossed, triggers a different action or state. A ceiling is a maximum, while a threshold is a trigger point.