Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 16/23

に越(こ)したことはないThere is nothing better than, It is the best, Would be the best

Structure

Verb + に越(こ)したことはない
［い］Adjective + に越(こ)したことはない
［な］Adjective + に越(こ)したことはない
Noun + に越(こ)したことはない

Details

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    Standard

About に越したことはない

Used to convey the meanings of 'there is nothing better than (A)', or '(A) would be the best', に越(こ)したことはない is a phrase that combines に, the past-tense form of 越(こ)す, an う-Verb meaning 'to cross over', or 'to surpass', こと, は, and ない. Literally, it means 'there is nothing beyond (A)', or 'nothing surpasses (A)'.

This structure will be seen with verbs, adjectives, and nouns in their standard forms.

に越(こ)したことはない sentences generally present something positive, or some ideal outcome that is wished for.

Caution - It is also quite common to see に越(こ)したことはない following words that use ない. In these cases, rather than '(A) would be the best', the meaning simply changes to 'it would be best if not (A)'.

  • 災害(さいがい)は起(お)きないに越(こ)した事(こと)はない。
    There is nothing better than a disaster not happening.
  • 映画(えいが)はつまらなくないに越(こ)した事(こと)はない。
    There is nothing better than a movie not being boring.
  • テストは複雑(ふくざつ)ではないに越(こ)した事(こと)はない。
    There is nothing better than a test that is not complicated.
  • こう言(い)う時(とき)には一人(ひとり)っ子(こ)ではないに越(こ)した事(こと)はない。
    At times like this, there is nothing better than not being an only child.

Examples

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    休息(きゅうそく)できるに越(こ)したことはないが、あまりにもひまだ。

    Being able to take a break is the best, but I'm too bored.

    応援(おうえん)してもらうことに越(こ)したことはないが、ちょっとやり過(す)ぎです。

    There is nothing better than having someone cheer for you, but I think they are overdoing it.

    受験(じゅけん)は受(う)かる確率(かくりつ)が高(たか)いに越(こ)したことはない。

    There would be nothing better than if my chances of passing the exam are high.

    オーケストラの楽器(がっき)は多(おお)いに越(こ)したことはないが、限度(げんど)がある。

    There is nothing better than having many instruments in an orchestra, but there are limits.

    基礎(きそ)がしっかりしているに越(こ)したことはないが、基礎(きそ)にばかり時間(じかん)をかけられない。

    There is nothing better than having a strong foundation, but you can't spend all of your time on foundation alone.

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