Step out of bounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Step out of bounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone is crossing a limit or boundary, often in a metaphorical sense related to behavior or rules. Example: "When you started making personal comments during the meeting, you really stepped out of bounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A. We weren't afraid to step out of bounds.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I would bet my last paycheck that I did not step out of bounds," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

As he was about to step out of bounds, Collins fired back across his body to Hilliard.

The New York Times - Sports

Polian said that when he watched him at Baylor, Griffin was reluctant to step out of bounds.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not see Brownlee travel and step out of bounds after Rutgers had given up the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

On Booker T.'s first possession, the quarterback scrambled, and he appeared to step out of bounds shy of the first-down marker.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Matthews lived up to his promise to get after Kaepernick, delivering a late, airborne, hit at one point after the quarterback had already stepped out-of-bounds.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1920 21 the backboards were moved 2 feet (0.6 metre), and in 1939 40 4 feet, in from the end lines to reduce frequent stepping out-of-bounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I think I stepped out of bounds near the twenty.

The New Yorker

Liukin stepped out of bounds, then fell on one of her tumbling passes.

The New York Times - Sports

The first two performers, Bridget Sloan and Sacramone, stepped out of bounds during the floor exercise.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports writing, verify the factual accuracy of whether a player actually "stepped out of bounds" by reviewing replays or official rulings to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "Step out of bounds" in contexts where a literal physical boundary is meant, but the figurative sense dominates. Ensure the reader understands whether you're referring to a game situation or a metaphorical transgression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step out of bounds" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe a physical action in sports where a player leaves the playing field. Figuratively, it denotes exceeding acceptable limits of behavior. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase generally works well in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "step out of bounds" is generally used in English to describe either a player leaving the field of play in a sport, or metaphorically, someone exceeding the boundaries of acceptable behavior. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "cross the line" and "overstep the mark". When using the phrase, ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to a literal or figurative transgression. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for a range of contexts from formal reporting to casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cross the line

Focuses on violating a clear boundary or limit.

Overstep the mark

Emphasizes exceeding what is considered appropriate or acceptable behavior.

Exceed limits

Highlights surpassing a set boundary or restriction.

Go too far

Indicates behavior that is excessive or inappropriate.

Violate boundaries

Directly refers to infringing on established limits or rules.

Overreach oneself

Suggests attempting something beyond one's capabilities or authority.

Trespass

Implies an unlawful or immoral intrusion.

Act inappropriately

Refers to behaving in a way that is not suitable for the situation.

Break the rules

Implies non-compliance with standards or guidelines.

Overstep authority

Highlights exceeding the limits of one's power or jurisdiction.

FAQs

How is "Step out of bounds" used in a sentence?

The phrase "Step out of bounds" can be used both literally, in sports contexts, or figuratively, to describe exceeding acceptable limits or behaving inappropriately. For example: "The player "stepped out of bounds" before making the catch" or "He "stepped out of bounds" when he made personal comments during the meeting".

What can I say instead of "Step out of bounds"?

You can use alternatives like "cross the line", "overstep the mark", or "exceed limits" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "Step out of bounds"?

It's appropriate when describing a physical action in sports where a player leaves the designated playing area, or metaphorically, to express that someone has exceeded acceptable limits of behavior or authority.

What's the difference between "Step out of bounds" and "go too far"?

"Step out of bounds" often implies a transgression of established rules or boundaries, whether in sports or in social conduct, whereas "go too far" generally indicates that someone's actions were excessive or inappropriate in a more general sense. "Step out of bounds" has a stricter implication of violating a clearly defined limit.