A border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A border" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a physical or metaphorical boundary separating two areas, regions, or concepts. Example: "The river serves as a natural border between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A border wall?

The New Yorker

A border is a question.

The Guardian - Books

A border collie chased a seagull.

The Guardian

A border to what?

Vice

A border color has been chosen.

WikiHow

A border style has been chosen.

WikiHow

B. A border collie.

The New York Times

There was a border.

The Economist

Every port is a border.

The New York Times

A people without a border.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A border-crossing Sunni-Shiite confrontation spreads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A border" to refer to a political boundary, ensure the context clearly indicates which territories are being separated. For example, "A border between France and Germany."

Common error

Avoid using "A border" in contexts where the separation is abstract and not clearly defined. It's more appropriate for tangible or well-defined separations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A border" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies a physical or metaphorical division, consistent with its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A border" functions as a noun phrase denoting a separation between two entities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While it can be used in formal and informal settings, its register is generally neutral. To enhance clarity, ensure the context clearly indicates which entities are being separated when referring to a geographical or political boundary. Alternative phrases include "a boundary line" or ""a frontier"", depending on the intended meaning. Avoid its use in abstract contexts where the separation is not well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A boundary line

Replaces "border" with "boundary line", emphasizing the line aspect of the border.

A frontier

Substitutes "border" with "frontier", highlighting the edge or limit of a territory or area.

A dividing line

Emphasizes the function of a border as a separator.

A borderline

Implies something that is close to a border, either physically or metaphorically.

A demarcation

Replaces "border" with a more formal term, "demarcation", for a boundary or separation.

A perimeter

Focuses on the outer edge or boundary of an area.

A partition

Suggests a division or separation, similar to a border.

A confine

Highlights the act of limiting or restricting something within a border.

A threshold

Indicates the entrance or beginning point, often associated with crossing a border.

An edge

Simply refers to the edge or extremity of something, akin to a border.

FAQs

How can I use "A border" in a sentence?

You can use "A border" to refer to a boundary line separating two countries, states, or regions. For example, "The Rio Grande serves as a border between the United States and Mexico."

What are some synonyms for "A border"?

Some synonyms for "A border" include "a boundary", "a frontier", and "a dividing line". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a border line"?

While "borderline" is a commonly used word, "border line" used as two words is less frequent. If you need to express something is 'on a border' it's better to stick with "a border" or "border area" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "A border" and "A boundary"?

"A border" typically refers to a political or geographical division, while ""a boundary"" can refer to any limit or edge, including abstract or conceptual ones.