the maximum rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the maximum rate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the highest possible amount or frequency of something. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as: - "Our company offers the maximum rate of return on investments." - "The maximum rate of speed on this road is 55 miles per hour." - "The maximum rate of unemployment in the country was reached in 2009." - "The insurance policy covers up to the maximum rate of $100,000." - "Please try to complete the task at the maximum rate possible." Example: "I was able to negotiate the maximum rate for my salary, which is $20 per hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The maximum rate was 38.6percentt in 2002, not 35.

The New York Times

The maximum rate of the CCB is $208.50 per week currently.

The Guardian

But the maximum rate is determined partly by the monitor itself, your video card and the resolution you are using.

The New York Times - Tech

The maximum rate of personal-income tax has moved from 17% to 20%.

The Economist

It is now somewhat below 2 percent, the maximum rate the Fed views as healthy.

The New York Times

Subsequent amendments raised the maximum rate to 10 percent on incomes over $5,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lawsuit, by two Mazda owners, said Ford Credit's late fees on leases exceeded 6percentthethe maximum rate allowed under Maryland law.

The New York Times

That humdrum phrase — "channel capacity" — refers to the maximum rate at which data can travel through a given medium without losing integrity.

The New Yorker

Japan passed legislation on Dec. 13 to lower to 20percentt, from 29.2percentthethe maximum rate finance companies can charge, matching the highest rate for banks.

The New York Times

The average rate in Westchester is $8 per yard, and in New York City the maximum rate allowed by law is $12.20 per yard.

The New York Times

The government has promised to lower the maximum rate for individuals and corporations to 22.5% for the next decade.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing limitations or constraints, use "the maximum rate" to clearly define the upper threshold beyond which something cannot exceed. For instance, "The server can handle traffic at the maximum rate of 1000 requests per second."

Common error

Avoid using "the maximum rate" when you actually mean the typical or average rate. "The maximum rate" refers to the absolute highest value, not a common occurrence. For example, instead of saying "The maximum rate of customer sign-ups is 50 per day on average", say "The average rate of customer sign-ups is 50 per day".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the maximum rate" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote the highest possible value or limit of a particular rate, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the maximum rate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the highest possible value or limit of a rate. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility spans across numerous contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and encyclopedic definitions. While alternatives like "peak rate" or "highest rate" exist, "the maximum rate" provides clarity when specifying an upper threshold. Remember to differentiate it from related concepts such as "average rate" to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak rate

Replaces "maximum" with "peak", implying the highest point or level achieved.

highest rate

Substitutes "maximum" with "highest", a direct synonym indicating the upper limit.

top rate

Uses "top" instead of "maximum", suggesting the uppermost level or degree.

maximum level

Replaces "rate" with "level", focusing on the highest point on a scale or range.

upper limit rate

Specifies "upper limit", emphasizing the boundary beyond which the rate cannot increase.

ceiling rate

Employs "ceiling", suggesting an imposed or inherent upper boundary.

greatest rate

Uses "greatest" as a synonym for "maximum", indicating the largest quantity or degree.

ultimate rate

Substitutes "maximum" with "ultimate", suggesting the final or highest achievable rate.

maximum speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed", emphasizing the quickest pace or velocity.

fullest extent

Shifts from a specific rate to a more general concept of the highest degree or scope.

FAQs

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

Use "the maximum rate" to describe the highest possible amount or frequency of something. For example, "The contract specifies "the maximum rate" of interest that can be charged."

What phrases are similar to "the maximum rate"?

Similar phrases include "peak rate", "highest rate", or "top rate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at the maximum rate possible"?

Yes, "at the maximum rate possible" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase. It emphasizes that something should be done as quickly or frequently as it can be.

What is the difference between "the maximum rate" and "the optimal rate"?

"The maximum rate" refers to the highest possible rate, while "the optimal rate" refers to the most favorable or efficient rate, which may not necessarily be the highest.