stray too far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stray too far" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who has wandered off somewhere too far from where they should be. For example: "She was warned not to stray too far, but she kept walking until she was out of sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And don't stray too far from the pie.

The New Yorker

(The Justices rarely stray too far from public opinion).

The New Yorker

Maybe he'll never stray too far from this comfort zone.

Independent

I never stray too far from vanilla though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's impossible to stray too far from Hunter's preprogrammed success.

The New Yorker

"I don't think they should stray too far from that".

The New York Times

Sometimes, however, the contributors seem to stray too far from their academic disciplines.

The Economist

And if you stray too far from your car, you've got to cut away.

The New York Times

I was determined not to stray too far from the original.

Independent

As a coda, a nightcap also shouldn't stray too far from the movements that preceded it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Times are anxious, and Republicans who stray too far into unorthodox economics could be vulnerable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stray too far" to caution against excessive deviation from a plan, idea, or physical boundary. Ensure the context clarifies what the acceptable limit is.

Common error

Avoid using "stray too far" without clearly defining the reference point or boundary. The phrase requires a shared understanding of what constitutes an acceptable limit to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "Don't stray too far", specify, "Don't stray too far from the group" or "Don't stray too far from the main topic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stray too far" functions as a verb phrase indicating a cautionary action against exceeding a specific boundary, limit, or expectation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It often serves to warn against excessive deviation or wandering, as illustrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stray too far" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that cautions against exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the boundary or reference point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "deviate excessively" and "exceed reasonable limits", offering nuanced ways to convey a similar message. Remember, clarity is key to effectively using "stray too far" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate excessively

This alternative focuses on the act of deviating, but emphasizes the degree to which the deviation occurs.

exceed reasonable limits

This phrase highlights the exceeding of acceptable or justifiable boundaries.

go beyond acceptable bounds

This option emphasizes the crossing of established limits of behavior or action.

wander excessively

Similar to "stray", but with a greater emphasis on the degree of wandering.

veer off course significantly

This phrase is useful when discussing deviations from a planned route or path.

depart drastically

This alternative emphasizes a substantial departure from an original point or idea.

overstep the boundaries

Focuses on exceeding defined or understood limits.

transgress excessively

A more formal way of expressing exceeding limits, implying a violation of rules or moral principles.

cross the line significantly

Emphasizes a breach of an understood, often unspoken, boundary.

go overboard drastically

This phrase highlights that something is excessive and inappropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "stray too far" in a sentence?

You can use "stray too far" to indicate exceeding acceptable limits. For example, "The presentation didn't "stray too far" from the original proposal", meaning it mostly adhered to the initial plans.

What are some alternatives to "stray too far"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "deviate excessively", "exceed reasonable limits", or "go beyond acceptable bounds" as alternatives to "stray too far".

What does it mean to "stray too far"?

To "stray too far" means to exceed a limit, boundary, or expectation by a considerable amount. It implies a deviation that is more than what is acceptable or tolerable.

Is it better to say "stray too far" or "deviate too much"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Stray too far" often implies a physical or conceptual wandering, while "deviate too much" suggests a greater departure from a standard or norm. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.