do not exceed

USAGE SUMMARY

"do not exceed" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to indicate that something should not go beyond a certain point or limit. For example: "Please do not exceed the speed limit of 55 miles per hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not exceed reading time.

The New York Times

Do not exceed 60 seconds.

Cornell University

Do not exceed the two page limit.

Cornell University

Do not exceed 15 gallons of ethanol.

Harvard University

Co-payments do not exceed $3, Ms. Keithly said.

The New York Times

Yet Schlesinger's biases do not exceed those of most biographers.

The Washington Post

HUVECs used in experiments do not exceed four passages.

Nature

In general, differences between model results and field measurements do not exceed 10 15%.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Such high stresses are beneficial provided they do not exceed the fracture stress of collagen.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

However, the few available ages for the Pyrenean terrace systems do not exceed the Middle Pleistocene.

Quaternary Geochronology

They demonstrate that externally, the head and neck do not exceed normal physiological limits.

Clinical Biomechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "do not exceed" followed by a specific, measurable value to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity. For example, "Do not exceed 2000 words for the essay."

Common error

Ensure that the units of measurement are consistent and clearly stated when using "do not exceed". For example, avoid mixing metric and imperial units without proper conversion, such as "Do not exceed 10 kg or 20 pounds (approximately)".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not exceed" functions as a negative imperative, issuing a command or instruction to avoid surpassing a specified limit or threshold. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which validates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not exceed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used negative imperative phrase that conveys the importance of staying within a defined limit. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it commonly appears in diverse contexts such as Science, News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business. When using this phrase, ensure consistency in units and clarity in instructions. Alternatives include "stay within the limits" or "don't surpass", depending on the formality required. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "do not exceed" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't surpass

A more formal synonym for "do not exceed".

don't go over

A more informal way of saying not to surpass a given amount.

do not overstep

This alternative suggests avoiding crossing a boundary or threshold.

stay within the limits

This alternative focuses on remaining inside a set boundary.

remain below

Highlights the importance of staying under a specific value or threshold.

observe the limit

This emphasizes adherence to a predefined restriction.

stick to the limit

Focuses on adhering strictly to the established limitation.

keep under control

This implies maintaining something at or below a certain level.

cap at

A shorter, more direct way to express setting an upper limit.

hold to a maximum of

This variation specifies the highest permissible amount.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do not exceed" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "stay within the limits", "don't go over", or "don't surpass" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "do not exceed" and "is less than"?

"Do not exceed" indicates that a value should not be greater than a specified limit. "Is less than" implies that a value must be strictly smaller than another value. For instance, "do not exceed 10" means 10 is acceptable, but "is less than 10" excludes 10.

Is it grammatically correct to use "do not exceed"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's a standard and widely accepted phrase used to set limits or restrictions. Ludwig AI also confirms that it's correct and usable.

How do I use "do not exceed" in a technical document?

In technical writing, it's crucial to follow "do not exceed" with precise units and values. For example, "The voltage should "remain below" 5V" or "The temperature must "stick to the limit" of 100°C".