a borderline case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a borderline case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or example that is on the edge of a particular category or classification, often indicating ambiguity or uncertainty. Example: "The patient's symptoms presented a borderline case, making it difficult for the doctors to determine a definitive diagnosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a borderline case," Ms. Itskovich said.

The New York Times

This one could be considered a borderline case.

The New York Times

"We discuss it whenever there's kind of a borderline case," he said.

The New York Times

Which brings me finally to what seems to me to be a borderline case.

The Guardian

"Providence" (1977, script by David Mercer) is a borderline case, depending on how you interpret the wolfman.

The New York Times

The Canadian furniture maker and sculptor Gord Peteran, widely admired in craft circles, is a borderline case.

The New York Times - Arts

"If it's a borderline case, you're going to err on the side of caution," Judge Perdue said.

The New York Times

Mental incapacity or intimidation would render any resignation invalid or, in a borderline case, suspect in a way that could create a crisis in the church.

The New York Times

"Even though it doesn't automatically count towards your final degree grade, boards will look at a students' whole record, if they are a borderline case".

The Guardian

"He became a borderline case, and I didn't like what I found on either side of the border," she wrote in her 1992 autobiography, "Curriculum Vitae".

The New York Times

Ferdinandea, located 19 miles south of Sicily, thus well beyond the accepted Sicilian territorial waters of the time [9], was a borderline case in two respects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a borderline case", ensure the context clearly indicates the category or standard against which the case is being evaluated. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a borderline case" when a more precise descriptor is available. If the situation is leaning more towards one category, use that label with a qualifier (e.g., "almost X" instead of "a borderline X case").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a borderline case" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a situation, example, or instance that exists at the edge of a defined category. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal composition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a borderline case" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a situation existing on the edge of a defined category, often implying ambiguity or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI analysis has shown, its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and business communications. While alternatives like "a marginal case" or "a dubious case" can be used to add nuance, "a borderline case" remains a clear and effective way to express the idea of something existing at the edge of a classification. When using it, ensure that the context is well-defined to prevent potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal case

This alternative emphasizes the idea of being close to a boundary or threshold, but perhaps still within it.

a borderline example

This emphasizes the illustrative aspect of the case, showing it's on the edge of a defined classification.

an ambiguous case

Focuses on the lack of clarity or definiteness in the situation.

a threshold case

This emphasizes that the case is near the minimum or maximum value to trigger an action or to be considered valid.

a limit case

This highlights that the case is near the maximum or minimum value or condition.

a dubious case

This suggests uncertainty or doubt about the validity or classification of something.

a questionable case

Similar to "a dubious case", this highlights the uncertain or debatable nature of the situation.

a doubtful case

Implies a lack of certainty or confidence in the proper categorization.

a fringe case

This signifies that the case lies at the periphery or outer edge of a category.

a limited case

This indicates that the case is somewhat restricted or qualified in its inclusion within a particular category.

FAQs

How can I use "a borderline case" in a sentence?

You can use "a borderline case" to describe something that barely meets the requirements of a category or is difficult to classify. For example, "His application was "a borderline case" for acceptance into the program."

What can I say instead of "a borderline case"?

You can use alternatives like "a marginal case", "a dubious case", or "an ambiguous case depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a borderline case"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something is on the edge of a defined category, and there's some uncertainty or ambiguity about its classification. It is useful when something almost meets a certain set of requirements.

What's the difference between "a borderline case" and "an obvious case"?

"A borderline case" implies uncertainty and difficulty in classification, while "an obvious case" indicates clear and easy categorization. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum.