top out at

USAGE SUMMARY

"top out at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to indicate that a value or amount has reached its maximum or limit. For example: "Sales of the new model topped out at 4,000 units last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Fares top out at 5 renminbi.

The New York Times - Travel

Prices top out at about $2 million.

The New York Times

Entrees top out at about $24.

The New York Times - Travel

The prices top out at $30.

The New York Times - Food

Best yet, prices top out at $275.

The New York Times

Sushi-sashimi combinations top out at $24.50.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Tops out at two feet; does fine in droughty soils.

Cornell University

The first hiking passport topped out at 25 miles.

The New York Times - Travel

As did the velour tracksuit, which tops out at $885.

The New York Times

Tuition for a two-year degree tops out at $40,000.

The Guardian

Whereas Wi-Max starts at uploads of 2Mbps and tops out at 10Mbps, HSDPA starts at just 200 kbps and tops out at 1 Mbps.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top out at" when you want to clearly indicate the maximum value, price, speed, or height that something can reach. It's effective in contexts where specifying the upper limit is important.

Common error

Avoid using "top out at" when you intend to describe an average or typical value. "Top out at" indicates the absolute maximum, not a central tendency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top out at" functions as a phrasal verb used to indicate that something has reached its highest point, limit, or maximum value. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Many examples show it used in contexts relating to prices or measurements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Travel

11%

TechCrunch

11%

Less common in

Huffington Post

6%

Los Angeles Times

6%

Forbes

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "top out at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the maximum limit or highest point that something reaches. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently used in various contexts, including news reports, travel articles, and technical discussions, particularly when specifying prices, speeds, or quantities. While alternatives like "peak at" or "reach a maximum of" exist, "top out at" offers a clear and direct way to convey the concept of reaching an upper limit. Be careful not to use it when referring to averages or typical values, as it specifically denotes the absolute maximum. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak at

This alternative offers a slightly more concise way of expressing that something has reached its highest point or value.

reach a maximum of

This phrase emphasizes the attainment of a highest possible quantity or degree.

max out at

A more informal alternative, suggesting that something has reached its full capacity or limit.

cap at

This option implies a limit or ceiling has been placed on something.

reach the upper limit of

This phrase provides a more formal and descriptive way of expressing reaching the highest possible boundary.

culminate at

This suggests the highest point is the result of a progressive development.

level off at

Implies that the value has reached its maximum and is now stable.

hit a ceiling of

Conveys the idea of encountering a barrier that prevents further increase.

ascend to a high of

Emphasizes the upward movement culminating in a peak value.

get as high as

Focuses on the high end of a range or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "top out at" in a sentence?

You can use "top out at" to describe the maximum value something can reach, such as "The price of the item will "top out at" $200" or "The building will "top out at" 50 stories".

What are some alternatives to "top out at"?

Some alternatives to "top out at" include "peak at", "reach a maximum of", or "max out at". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "tops out at" instead of "top out at"?

Yes, depending on the subject. "Tops out at" is used when the subject is singular (e.g., "The price tops out at $50"), while "top out at" is used for plural subjects (e.g., "Prices top out at $50").

What's the difference between "top out at" and "level off at"?

"Top out at" indicates reaching a maximum value, whereas "level off at" suggests reaching a stable point after a period of increase or decrease.