overstep

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'overstep' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone going beyond a limit or boundary, usually in a way that is not desirable or acceptable. For example: "He overstepped his authority by making decisions without consulting any of his superiors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to one source who has been directly involved in GCHQ operations, concerns were expressed when the project was being discussed internally in 2008: "We felt we were starting to overstep the mark with some of it.

The Guardian

According to one election expert, quoted in today's La Libre Belgique, the King did not overstep the line and has the legitimate objective of ensuring a new government as soon as possible.Will questions about the role of the unelected head of state linger?

The Economist

He posed as a member of a fictional Asian betting syndicate and handed over £150,000 ($239,000) in return for a guarantee that Mr Asif would overstep the crease for the last ball of the 10th over of a Test match between England and Pakistan.

The Economist

And there's almost no penalty at all for state actors who overstep their authority.

The Economist

A civil war on terrorism Reprints Related items Islamic terrorism in Europe: After Van GoghNov 11th 2004 Islam in the Netherlands: Another political murderNov 4th 2004There is broad agreement that some limits to inflammatory speech must be defined but where to set those limits and what to do with those who overstep them is still deeply controversial.

The Economist

Do that and you end up producing the sterile banalities of corporate speeches.Another criticism is that Messrs Bush and Gerson overstep the mark that separates church from state.

The Economist

But as Mr Banerjee and his co-authors conclude:But politicians also need to be wary — in taking aim at the occasional overstep, they may find themselves inadvertently destroying the whole business, at great cost both to the poor, and the financial institutions that have stepped in to work with them.

The Economist

The New Press; 240 pages; $24.95 and £18.99 A highly readable study from a Beijing-born writer for the New Yorker about China's "tide players", the intellectual and entrepreneurial pragmatists who prosper by pushing at the boundaries of what the state permits while taking care never to overstep the mark.Dancing in the Glory of Monsters: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa.

The Economist

He has disappointed liberal reformers by not repeating a suggestion he made in 2012, that no organisation can "overstep" China's constitution.

The Economist

Recent controversies over Internet privacy, the rampant patenting of Internet-business models, free speech and pornography show that when companies or governments overstep the line, the reaction of consumers is swift.

The Economist

In a speech to mark the 30th anniversary of the present constitution, he gave as good a defence of constitutionalism as any, by quoting the 1982 version's Article 5: "No organisation or individual has the privilege to overstep the constitution and the law".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overstep", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise verb, like "exceed", "violate", or "transgress", might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "overstep" with "oversleep". "Overstep" means to exceed a boundary, while "oversleep" means to sleep longer than intended.

Linguistic Context

The verb "overstep" functions primarily to describe the act of exceeding or transgressing a limit, boundary, or accepted standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, this word correctly denotes going beyond what is permissible or expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overstep" is a versatile verb used to describe exceeding or violating boundaries, rules, or limits. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media, and encyclopedia articles, showing its applicability in both formal and neutral contexts. To avoid confusion, remember that "overstep" means to exceed a limit, whereas "oversleep" means to sleep longer than intended. When writing, consider the specific context and whether a more precise synonym might enhance your message. You can find alternatives such as exceed limits, cross the line, or go too far depending on the scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed limits

Focuses specifically on surpassing established boundaries, whether physical or abstract.

cross the line

Implies exceeding acceptable behavior or standards, often in an ethical or moral context.

go too far

A more general expression indicating an unacceptable extension of an action or behavior.

transgress boundaries

Highlights the act of violating established limits or rules.

violate limits

Emphasizes a breach of established constraints or restrictions.

exceed authority

Specifically relates to surpassing the bounds of one's given power or jurisdiction.

encroach upon

Suggests gradually intruding on someone else's territory, rights, or responsibilities.

trespass

Often used in a legal or physical context to indicate unauthorized entry or intrusion.

infringe upon

Implies the violation of someone's rights or privileges.

overreach

Suggests an attempt to do more than one is capable of or allowed to do.

FAQs

How to use "overstep" in a sentence?

You can use "overstep" to describe exceeding a limit or boundary. For example, "The politician was accused of overstepping his authority."

What can I say instead of "overstep"?

You can use alternatives like "exceed limits", "cross the line", or "go too far" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "overstep" or "over stepped"?

"Overstep" is a single word. "Over stepped" is the past tense of the verb "step over" and has a different meaning. Ensure you use "overstep" when referring to exceeding boundaries.

What's the difference between "overstep" and "overreach"?

"Overstep" implies exceeding a boundary or limit, while "overreach" suggests attempting to do more than one is capable of or allowed to. While related, "overreach" often implies ambition or overconfidence, which aren't necessarily present in "overstep".