the maximum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the maximum of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the greatest or highest number, amount, or degree of something. For example, "The maximum of students in the class is 20".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The maximum of humbling was made maximumer.

The New Yorker

Robben is very good at getting the maximum of nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

Weinzierl has made the maximum of very little.

The Guardian - Sport

"The welfare state is at the maximum of its capabilities.

The New Yorker

3. (Idleness, marriage, self-indulgence) is popular because it combines the maximum of temptation with the maximum of opportunity.

The New York Times

At the Court, a Beckett diktat sat over his desk: "A theatre stage should have the maximum of verbal presence and the maximum of corporal presence".

The Guardian

In addition I'm the kind of guy who goes from the maximum of superficiality to the maximum of fussiness in a trice.

The New Yorker

On Sunday, the index hit the maximum of 500.

The New York Times

He got the maximum of 5 to 15 years in prison.

The New York Times

Cows are catered to much more so that they will give the maximum of milk.

The New Yorker

Slovakia may have to dress fewer than the maximum of 20 skaters and 2 goalies.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the maximum of" when referring to a quantifiable upper limit, such as "the maximum of 50 students" or "the maximum of 10 years in prison".

Common error

Avoid using "the maximum of" when describing something that is not quantifiable. For example, instead of saying "He showed the maximum of effort", consider "He showed maximum effort" or "He gave his utmost effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the maximum of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the upper limit or highest degree of a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts, such as setting limits or describing maximum values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the maximum of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the upper limit or highest degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal contexts, the phrase serves to specify quantities or set boundaries. When writing, remember to use "the maximum of" primarily for quantifiable contexts, avoiding its application where a simple "maximum" or "utmost" would be more appropriate. The availability of numerous examples across authoritative sources underscores its common and acceptable usage in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the limit of

Emphasizes the boundary or restriction.

the upper limit of

Focuses on setting a boundary or ceiling.

the highest level of

Indicates the uppermost position or rank.

the peak of

Emphasizes the highest point or culmination.

the greatest extent of

Highlights the full measure or scope.

the top of

Refers to the highest physical or abstract point.

the utmost of

Stresses the extreme degree or amount.

the ceiling of

Suggests a limit that cannot be exceeded.

the extreme of

Highlights the furthest possible degree or point.

the culmination of

Suggests the final or highest point reached.

FAQs

How can I use "the maximum of" in a sentence?

Use "the maximum of" to specify the upper limit or highest possible amount, as in "The recipe calls for the maximum of two teaspoons of salt" or "The stadium can hold the maximum of 50000 spectators".

What alternatives can I use instead of "the maximum of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the upper limit of", "the greatest extent of", or "the highest level of".

Is it correct to say "maximum effort" instead of "the maximum of effort"?

Yes, "maximum effort" is often preferred when describing exertion or intensity. "The maximum of effort" is less common and may sound awkward in such contexts. For example, instead of saying "He gave the maximum of effort", it is better to say "He gave maximum effort".

What's the difference between "the maximum of" and "at most"?

"The maximum of" specifies the highest possible quantity, while "at most" indicates that a quantity does not exceed a certain limit. For example, "The maximum of five guests are allowed" means no more than five guests are permitted, similar to saying "At most, five guests are allowed".