a boundary between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a boundary between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dividing line or distinction between two entities, concepts, or areas. Example: "There is a clear boundary between personal and professional life that should be respected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was not a boundary between them.

The Guardian - Sport

An attempt to find a boundary between reality and exaltation?

The New Yorker

Death became an endless ache, a boundary between realms, a transfiguration, a ritual.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a boundary between the green park and the concrete city.

The New Yorker

This means that when they come to a boundary between two different domains, their spins flip.

The Economist

But this rule created a boundary between AAA and other bonds that was ripe for gaming.

The Economist

Like many of London's underdeveloped sites, the area lies on a boundary between boroughs.

The Economist

Such tests appear to mark a boundary between animals that display some form of consciousness and those that don't.

The New York Times

(Cyrus dies, in fact, after ill-advisedly crossing the river Araxes, considered a boundary between Asia and Europe).

The New Yorker

There is not so firm a boundary between the inner world and the outer world as we had assumed.

The Guardian

"The most delicate and difficult of questions", he says, pointing to Mexico, "is the adjustment of a boundary between us.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a boundary between", ensure that the two entities being separated are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "there's a boundary between them", specify, "There is a boundary between their professional and personal lives".

Common error

Avoid using "a boundary between" for overly abstract or vague concepts without providing concrete examples. Instead of stating, "There's a boundary between good and evil", provide specific actions or characteristics that exemplify this boundary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a boundary between" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe or define a noun. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It serves to identify a dividing line or distinction that separates two distinct entities or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a boundary between" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to denote a separation or distinction between two entities or concepts. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is well-regarded and appears across a wide range of reputable sources. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, with applications ranging from physical boundaries to more abstract demarcations. When employing this phrase, ensure that the elements being separated are clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a delineation between" or "a distinction between" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "a boundary between" is a versatile and valuable phrase in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delineation between

Focuses on clearly marking a distinction, emphasizing precision and clarity in defining the separation.

a border between

Very similar to "a boundary between", but often implies a physical separation or geographical division.

a borderline between

Highlights the transitional zone or area very close to the separation, useful when the distinction isn't absolute.

a line between

A more general term indicating a separation or distinction, less formal and applicable in many contexts.

a demarcation between

Emphasizes a formal or official separation, often used in cartography, law, or formal agreements.

a distinction between

Focuses on the difference or contrast that separates two things, rather than a physical or spatial division.

a threshold between

Suggests a point of transition or a limit that, when crossed, leads to a significant change.

a limit between

Highlights that there's an explicit constraint or condition that exists to create the separation.

a borderland between

Suggests an intermediate area or region situated on either side of a boundary, with influences from both.

a frontier between

Implies a less defined or settled area of separation, often used metaphorically to suggest exploration or uncharted territory.

FAQs

What phrases are similar to "a boundary between"?

You can use alternatives like "a delineation between", "a line between", or "a distinction between" depending on the specific context.

How does "a boundary between" differ from "a border between"?

"A border between" often implies a physical or geographical division, while "a boundary between" can refer to more abstract separations, such as concepts or ideas.

Can "a boundary between" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a boundary between" is suitable for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase used across various academic and professional contexts.

What is the best way to use "a boundary between" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a boundary between", ensure that you clearly identify the two distinct elements or concepts that are being separated. For example: "The river serves as "a boundary between" the two countries."