A boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a limit or dividing line between two areas, concepts, or ideas. Example: "Establishing a boundary between work and personal life is essential for maintaining a healthy balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A boundary is that which is an extremity of anything".

SEP

A boundary condition is defined as a boundary interaction type and an associated probability.

BMC Systems Biology

A Boundary Element Method is used for the forward model.

Biomedical Optics Express

Religion is a Boundary Condition".

The New Yorker

It's broken a boundary".

The Guardian - Music

"It's a boundary.

The New York Times

It's a boundary marker.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Because I'm breaking a boundary there.

The New Yorker

Was Mr. Winter crossing a boundary?

The New York Times

Every agoraphobic has a boundary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The outlier marks a boundary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a boundary", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Be mindful of whether you're referring to a physical, conceptual, or metaphorical limit.

Common error

Avoid using "a boundary" in situations where a more specific term like "limit", "edge", or "border" would provide greater clarity. Using a precise term enhances communication and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a boundary" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly denotes a limit or dividing line, whether physical, conceptual, or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a boundary" is a noun phrase denoting a limit or dividing line, used across various contexts from science to news media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While generally neutral in register, it can be formal in specific fields. When employing the phrase, consider whether more specific terms might enhance clarity. As an alternative to "a boundary", consider options such as "a limit", "a border", or "a demarcation" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A limit

General term for a restriction on extent, amount, or scope.

A border

Often refers to the edge of a country or region.

A borderline

Suggests an area or situation that is on the edge between two states or conditions.

A perimeter

Indicates the outer limits of an enclosed space or area.

A threshold

Implies a point of entry or the start of a new phase or condition.

A frontier

Refers more to an edge or limit of a developed area, suggesting exploration or newness.

A line

A simple, often literal demarcation between two areas.

A delineation

More formal than “a line”, suggests a clear and distinct marking.

A delimitation

Formal term indicating a precise marking or definition of a boundary.

A transit

Indicates crossing a boundary or passing through an area.

FAQs

How can I use "a boundary" in a sentence?

You can use "a boundary" to refer to a limit or dividing line. For example, "The river serves as "a boundary" between the two countries" or "It's important to set "a boundary" between work and personal life."

What can I say instead of "a boundary"?

You can use alternatives like "a limit", "a border", or "a demarcation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a boundary" instead of "a border"?

"A border" typically refers to a geographical or political line separating regions or countries. "A boundary" is a more general term that can refer to any kind of limit or dividing line, physical or conceptual. For instance, you might speak of ""a boundary" of acceptable behavior". You probably won't say a border of acceptable behavior.

Is "a boundary line" redundant?

While "a boundary line" is not strictly redundant, "a boundary" often implies a line of demarcation. Using just ""a boundary"" is usually sufficient unless you specifically need to emphasize that the boundary is a line.