a boundary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a boundary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limits or restrictions in various contexts, such as personal relationships, rules, or physical spaces. Example: "The new policy sets a boundary to the amount of overtime employees can work each week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Says your OBOer, unabashedly looking to jinx Shaun Marsh, who thrashes a boundary to cover.

The Guardian - Sport

England now require three runs from the final ball, but realistically a boundary, to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Johnson Charles then gives Swann the charge, heaving a boundary to cow corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Coleridge is crossing a boundary to his lyric field; by counter-spirit.

The Guardian

He strode out purposefully and thumped a boundary to deep midwicket to open his scoring.

The Guardian - Sport

They whispered incantations into each corner, marking a boundary to keep out evil spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was a smashing boundary to a huge lawn-bowling area.

The New York Times

In this scenario, the game's protagonists Caim and Angelus travel across a dimensional boundary to fight a monstrous beast.

Wikipedia

We model this confinement by changing the boundary condition for PSD to ESM from an open boundary to a partially reflective boundary.

BMC Systems Biology

So there is a need of deriving a dynamic boundary to describe periocular region.

BioMed Research International

This was a decent pitch, the conditions were good and there was a short boundary to one side.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a boundary to", ensure the noun or concept being bounded is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a boundary to personal relationships" or "a boundary to territorial waters".

Common error

Avoid using "a boundary to" in overly complex sentences where simpler prepositions like "for" or "of" would suffice. Overcomplicating the sentence can obscure your intended meaning and make the writing feel less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a boundary to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates a limit, demarcation, or restriction applied to something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a boundary to" functions as a prepositional phrase that signifies a limit, demarcation, or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "a limit to" or "a restriction on" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the specific context, "a boundary to" remains a valid and useful expression. Understanding these nuances helps writers to use the phrase effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limit to

Emphasizes the concept of a maximum extent or degree beyond which something cannot pass.

a restriction on

Highlights the act of limiting or controlling something within specific parameters.

a constraint on

Focuses on something that restricts or controls what you can do.

a border for

Implies a line or edge that separates or defines something.

a demarcation of

Stresses the act of setting or marking limits or boundaries.

a perimeter around

Focuses on the outer limits or boundary of an area or object.

a line defining

Highlights a clear and distinct separation or limitation.

a barrier against

Suggests a structure or obstacle that prevents passage or movement.

an edge of

Refers to the outer point or limit of something.

a confine for

Focuses on keeping something within specific bounds.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a boundary to" is used to indicate a limit, demarcation, or restriction. For example, "The fence serves as a boundary to the property" or "The new regulations set a boundary to the company's spending".

What are some alternatives to using "a boundary to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a limit to", "a restriction on", or "a demarcation of".

Is it more appropriate to use "a boundary for" instead of "a boundary to"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a boundary to" is typically used when referring to a limit or restriction on something, while "a boundary for" can imply a boundary created for a specific purpose or area. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a boundary to" and "a border of"?

"A boundary to" generally implies a limit or restriction (e.g., "a boundary to his patience"), whereas "a border of" refers to a physical or metaphorical edge that defines an area (e.g., "the border of the forest").