be certain not to overstep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be certain not to overstep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be careful not to exceed boundaries or limits in a situation. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to be certain not to overstep the agreed-upon terms to maintain a good relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Whenever they were over they would make sure not to overstep boundaries, and I was the one who was like, 'It's O.K. to film today,' " she recalled.

The New York Times

You have to be careful not to overstep the line".

Science Magazine

He insists, however, that scientists should be careful not to overstep the fine line between helping people make decisions and telling them what to do.

Science Magazine

Be careful not to overstep and hurt someone's feeling.

WikiHow

However, be careful not to overstep your boundaries as to what the character is aware of.

WikiHow

However, when pursuing new projects, be careful not to overstep your authority or embarrass other employees.

WikiHow

Be careful not to overstep the bounds of the paragraph by making a much larger point about your two topics; that's the job of the conclusion paragraph.

WikiHow

Not Overstepping Her Bounds Mrs. Clinton said in the interview that she was careful not to overstep her bounds on national security, relying instead on informal access.

The New York Times

Perry G. Mehrling, an economist at Barnard College, said Mr. Bernanke was being careful not to overstep the Fed's role.

The New York Times

Nuclear standoffs happen, but each side has always understood where the brink lies and was careful not to overstep it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Members are careful not to overstep their bounds, and they give the government reports on their meetings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "be certain not to overstep" to caution against intruding on someone's personal space or boundaries. This conveys respect and consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "be certain not to overstep" when you simply mean "be careful". Overstepping implies a specific boundary or limit that could be violated, not just general caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be certain not to overstep" functions primarily as a directive, advising caution to avoid exceeding specific boundaries or limits. Based on Ludwig AI, it suggests a need for careful consideration to ensure adherence to established parameters.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be certain not to overstep" is grammatically sound but currently lacks extensive real-world examples, according to Ludwig. It functions as a directive, cautioning against exceeding boundaries. While versatile, its prescriptive nature and emphasis on defined limits make it more suitable for professional or formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "ensure you don't exceed" or "make sure not to cross" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid exceeding limits

Directly states the action of not going beyond defined restrictions.

ensure you don't exceed

Replaces "be certain" with "ensure" for a stronger emphasis on prevention, rather than just certainty.

do not overreach

Warns against attempting to do more than one is capable of.

make sure not to cross

Focuses on avoiding crossing a line, implying a boundary or limit.

remain within the bounds

Stresses staying inside acceptable parameters.

keep within the guidelines

Emphasizes adhering to specified rules or recommendations.

take care not to trespass

Emphasizes avoiding intrusion, often in a more literal or legal sense.

be mindful of restrictions

Highlights the awareness needed to avoid exceeding limits.

be sure to respect boundaries

Highlights the importance of respecting established limits.

exercise restraint

Focuses on controlling oneself to avoid overdoing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be certain not to overstep"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ensure you don't exceed", "make sure not to cross", or "avoid exceeding limits" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be certain not to overstep" or "be careful not to overstep"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "be certain not to overstep" emphasizes a definite need to avoid exceeding specific boundaries, while "be careful not to overstep" conveys a general warning and awareness.

In what scenarios is "be certain not to overstep" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable when addressing situations where exceeding a defined boundary or limit could lead to negative consequences, such as legal, ethical, or interpersonal breaches. It is more formal than a simple 'be careful'.

How does "be certain not to overstep" compare to "do not overreach"?

"Be certain not to overstep" is a more general caution against violating boundaries. "Do not overreach" specifically advises against attempting tasks or actions beyond one's capabilities or authority. While related, their application varies.