the maximum number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the maximum number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about the greatest possible amount of something, or when talking about the highest possible numerical value of a statistic. An example sentence is: "The maximum number of people allowed in the theater was 500."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The maximum number was three.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The maximum number of rounds is three.

The New York Times - Sports

Peckham contains the MAXIMUM NUMBER OF THINGS.

Yale University

The maximum number of transfer units is 45.

Stanford University

The default is 1000; the maximum number is 2500.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Note that the maximum number of repetitions is 100.

Columbia University

N_Limit: the maximum number of concurrent requests the system allows.

Stanford University

‑trainingIterations The maximum number of iterations to train.

Stanford University

Those five World Series were extended beyond the maximum number of days (nine) that the maximum number of games (seven) should take because of natural forces.

The New York Times - Sports

We want to test the maximum number of things".

The New York Times - Sports

Taxpayers who didn't drive at all would receive the maximum number of credits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the maximum number", ensure you specify the units or context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "the maximum number of participants" is clearer than simply "the maximum number".

Common error

Avoid using "the maximum number" when you actually mean the ideal or best number (the optimum). Maximum refers to the highest possible quantity, not necessarily the most desirable one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the maximum number" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and the examples illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the maximum number" is a versatile phrase used to denote the upper limit or highest possible quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Occurring frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using "the maximum number", clarity is key; always specify what you're counting to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful not to confuse it with "optimum", which implies the best number rather than the highest. Consider alternatives like "the highest amount" or "the upper limit" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the maximum quantity

Simply replaces 'number' with its synonym 'quantity'.

the maximum amount

Replaces the word "number" with the word "amount".

the highest amount

Focuses on the quantity aspect, replacing 'number' with 'amount'.

the greatest count

Replaces "maximum" with its synonym "greatest" and "number" with "count".

the greatest quantity

Emphasizes the magnitude, using 'greatest' for a slightly more formal tone.

the largest quantity

Emphasizes the physical size or extent, using 'largest' for a more descriptive feel.

the upper limit

Highlights the boundary or threshold, rather than the quantity itself.

the most possible

Focuses on possibility or potential, indicating the absolute upper bound.

the peak figure

Implies a point of culmination, suitable for describing trends or records.

the most allowed

Focuses on permission or restriction, indicating a regulated upper bound.

FAQs

How do I use "the maximum number" in a sentence?

Use "the maximum number" to refer to the highest possible quantity or limit in a given context. For example, "The venue can accommodate "the maximum number" of 500 guests".

What can I say instead of "the maximum number"?

You can use alternatives like "the highest amount", "the greatest quantity", or "the upper limit" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the maximum number possible"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "the maximum number possible" can be redundant. "The maximum number" already implies the highest achievable quantity. You can simply use ""the maximum number"".

What's the difference between "the maximum number" and "the minimum number"?

"The maximum number" refers to the highest possible quantity, while "the minimum number" refers to the lowest possible quantity. They represent opposite ends of a scale.