better not exceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better not exceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to stay within a certain limit or threshold, often in a cautionary context. Example: "When it comes to your budget, you better not exceed the allocated amount to avoid overspending."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, according to the AUC of the ROC curve, CEACAM1 was better than CEA but did not exceed NSE.

BMC Cancer

The dialysate [HCO3−] (or better, the total base concentration) should not exceed 35 mmol/L.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Meanwhile, annealed coatings distinguish with much better stability: the losses of specific capacitance do not exceed 4%.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Thus, a 2-dose vaccine schedule would always be the better choice when the relative cost difference does not exceed 25.9%.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

FDRepair performed much better than reported in the original paper, but did not exceed in the scores for correction of CondRepair.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

RHA had a better WOOS than SHA (mean difference 5, p = 0.02), but the difference did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference.

Acta Orthopaedica

Such acoustical performance becomes better when more cylinder columns are installed, but it is suggested that the number of cylinder rows should not exceed two.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

All patients had a visual acuity of 6/9 or better and ametropia not exceeding ±5.00 day and ±2.50 day of astigmatism.

BMC Ophthalmology

Do not exceed reading time.

The New York Times

His fastball did not exceed 90 m.p.h.

The New York Times - Sports

Do not exceed 60 seconds.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better not exceed", consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your audience and purpose. It works well in advisory contexts where a gentle warning is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "better not exceed" in highly formal or technical documents where more precise or authoritative language is required. Phrases like "must not exceed" or "should not surpass" may be more suitable in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better not exceed" functions as an advisory expression, suggesting that a certain limit should not be surpassed. The absence of examples in Ludwig suggests it's not a highly common phrase, but the Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better not exceed" serves as an advisory expression that suggests avoiding surpassing a specific limit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, even though no direct examples were found. It is best used in neutral contexts where a mild warning or recommendation is appropriate. Consider stronger alternatives like "must not exceed" or "should not surpass" for more formal settings. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication while respecting intended boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not exceed

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or rule.

do not surpass

A direct and somewhat forceful command.

should not go over

Replaces "better" with a more direct suggestion, slightly less formal.

should remain below

Focuses on staying under a limit rather than not exceeding it.

avoid exceeding

Highlights the action of exceeding as something to be avoided.

you'd be wise not to exceed

Implies caution and potential negative consequences.

ought not to surpass

Uses more formal language to convey the same meaning.

it is advisable not to exceed

Adds a layer of professional advice or recommendation.

it's best not to surpass

Adds a personal recommendation, making it slightly more advisory.

keep under

Simple and informal way of saying something should not exceed a limit.

FAQs

How can I use "better not exceed" in a sentence?

You can use "better not exceed" to advise someone to stay within a limit. For example, "You "better not exceed" your budget if you want to avoid debt."

What can I say instead of "better not exceed"?

Alternatives include "should not surpass", "must not exceed", or "ought not to exceed", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "better not exceed" or "had better not exceed"?

"Better not exceed" is a shortened form of "had better not exceed". Both are grammatically acceptable, but "had better" adds emphasis and urgency.

Is "better not exceed" formal or informal?

"Better not exceed" leans towards the informal side. More formal options include "should not exceed" or "must not exceed" for professional or academic contexts.