not exceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not exceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to set a limit or maximum amount in various contexts, such as regulations, guidelines, or instructions. Example: "The total weight of the luggage must not exceed 50 pounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lesions must not exceed 5 cm.

BMC Gastroenterology

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

The New York Times - Sports

Your entry must not exceed 200 words.

The Guardian

It does not exceed our expectations".

The New York Times

You need not exceed its dictates.

The New York Times

Plans should not exceed three typed pages.

The New York Times

Spending must not exceed revenue, he says.

The Guardian

But he did not exceed it.

The New Yorker

Family income could not exceed about $73,000.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

that does not exceed.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting a limit, be specific about the units of measurement (e.g., "The file size should "not exceed" 10 MB").

Common error

Avoid using "not exceed" without a clear reference point. Always specify what should "not exceed" a certain value or quantity to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not exceed" functions as a limiter or restrictor, setting an upper boundary on a quantity, amount, or value. It dictates what should not be surpassed, as shown in Ludwig's examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not exceed" is a versatile phrase used to set a maximum limit or constraint. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse domains. Its usage is particularly common in scientific, news, and business contexts where precision and control are essential. When using this phrase, ensure the limitation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "stay within limits" or "remain under" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to clearly specify the units of measurement for the limit you're setting. Also, consider that while not incorrect to use informally, it is typically more suitable in Professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not surpass

This is a more formal synonym for "not exceed", often used in official documents or technical writing.

be no more than

This alternative clearly states that the maximum limit is equal to a certain value.

must not be greater than

This alternative is a more explicit and detailed way of expressing the same limitation.

not go over

This is a more informal way of saying "not exceed", suitable for casual contexts.

keep below

This phrase highlights maintaining a value or quantity under a certain level.

remain under

This alternative emphasizes staying below a specific threshold or value.

not overshoot

Focuses on avoiding exceeding a target or intended limit.

should not pass

This phrase has a slightly different connotation, suggesting preventing something from going beyond a certain point.

stay within limits

This phrase focuses on remaining inside defined boundaries or constraints, rather than specifically avoiding exceeding a maximum.

cap at

A concise idiom that means setting a maximum limit for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "not exceed" to set a limit or maximum value, such as: "The budget should "not exceed" $1000", or "The temperature must "not exceed" 25 degrees Celsius".

What are some alternatives to using "not exceed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "stay within limits", "remain under", or "not go over". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "not exceed" or "not exceeding"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Not exceed" is typically used in instructions or guidelines (e.g., "Do not exceed the recommended dose"), while "not exceeding" can be used as part of a descriptive phrase (e.g., "for amounts not exceeding $500").

What's the difference between "not exceed" and "must not exceed"?

"Must not exceed" implies a stronger obligation or requirement than "not exceed". While both set a limit, "must not exceed" suggests a more critical or enforced constraint.