mind your step

USAGE SUMMARY

"mind your step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to remind someone to be careful when they are walking, for example: "Mind your step on the stairway so you don't slip".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

" 'You mind your step, sir, the pavements have a rime on them even now.' " The brown pot, the rime of frost -- such lovely touches.

Los Angeles Times

Mind your step outside so you don't end up crossing paths with leaf-cutter ants.

Huffington Post

Since her feature last year on Dennis Ferrer's track "Mind Your Step" (which confirmed that her sound can elevate the dance floor) she has made a slew of strong collaborations, no doubt increasing her demand as a vocalist.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With that in mind, your next step will be to do exactly what these savvy folks are doing: buy great investments from the "dumb money" for a song, as they sell in a panic.

Forbes

The 2014 Triennial takes as its theme the word "Lookout", which some artists interpret as an imperative to find new perspectives on the town (or beyond), and in which others hear a warning to mind out, watch your step.

The Guardian - Arts

Read the text carefully for comprehension, keeping in mind your questions from the second step.

Harvard University

Later, if you change your mind, just reverse your steps to restore the Mail program back to its new design.

The New York Times

Keep your mind focused on your steps and breath.

Huffington Post

Your mind loses a step, your body careens into states of decrepitude you'd heretofore only read about in H. P. Lovecraft novels, and you lose touch with whatever crap the youth find trendy.

Vice

("I have soft ground and hard ground to my feelings. You should mind where you step").

The New York Times

And do you mind taking a step back?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mind your step" when you want to directly warn someone about a potential hazard on the ground, like an uneven surface or obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "mind your step" metaphorically when a more appropriate idiom like "be careful" or "consider the consequences" would be clearer. The phrase is most effective when referring to actual physical steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind your step" primarily functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to be careful. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its use in warning about potential physical hazards. It's a direct command intended to prevent accidents.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mind your step" is an imperative phrase used to warn someone to be careful while walking, typically due to a potential hazard. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's best used in literal contexts, and alternatives like "watch your step" or "be careful where you walk" can provide similar guidance. While the expression does not appear frequently, authoritative sources like the Los Angeles Times and Huffington Post demonstrate its presence in varied contexts, which confirms its appropriateness in numerous scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch your step

Synonymous; emphasizes visual awareness of foot placement.

be careful where you walk

More descriptive; directly advises caution during walking.

look out for your footing

Focuses on the stability and safety of one's foot placement.

take care when walking

A broader suggestion for caution, not specific to foot placement.

be cautious of your steps

Similar to 'watch your step' but slightly more formal.

pay attention to the ground

Emphasizes awareness of the surface being walked on.

mind where you tread

A more archaic or literary variant of the original phrase.

watch out for hazards

Broader caution about potential dangers, not just foot placement.

proceed with caution

General warning to be careful; less specific to walking.

be mindful of your gait

Focuses on the manner of walking, suggesting deliberate movement.

FAQs

How can I use "mind your step" in a sentence?

You can use "mind your step" to warn someone about a physical hazard. For example, "Mind your step on the icy sidewalk." or "Mind your step, the stairs are steep".

What is a more formal way to say "mind your step"?

A more formal alternative to "mind your step" would be "Please exercise caution" or "Be careful where you walk". These phrases convey a similar message with a more polite tone.

Is "watch your step" or "mind your step" more common?

"Watch your step" and "mind your step" are very similar in meaning and usage. Both are common, but "watch your step" may be slightly more frequently used in contemporary English. Both are correct and widely understood.

What does "mind your step" mean figuratively?

While primarily literal, "mind your step" can sometimes be used figuratively to mean be careful about your actions or decisions to avoid negative consequences. In this case you may consider also alternatives such as "be cautious" or "consider the consequences".