a delicate border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate border" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a boundary that is fragile, subtle, or finely defined, often in a metaphorical or artistic context. Example: "The artist skillfully painted a delicate border around the canvas, enhancing the overall beauty of the piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The beveled central plate, done by hand, has a delicate border engraved with tiny floral motifs.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

How at her summer house she discovered him, awake with jet lag at 3 A.M., cheerfully painting her kitchen walls with a delicate Victorian border.

The New Yorker

So, acknowledging the delicate border between book reviewer and plot spoiler, here's a skeleton (honestly, even giving this much is a bummer): Lowboy is off his meds — which make him feel "like being pressed under glass" — and has just escaped his chaperones from a mental institution.

The New York Times - Books

Sinai is where Palestinian militants from Gaza and Islamist militants from elsewhere might find refuge and roam undisturbed, destabilizing the delicate border and testing Israel's patience, perhaps even igniting conflict.

The New York Times

Democrats and pro-immigration organizations fear that further changing the delicate border compromise could indefinitely delay legal status for 11 million immigrants already in the country — one of the key components of the bill.

The New York Times

For China, the Mustang region is one of the most delicate border areas, given the history of the Khampa guerrilla resistance there and the flight through the kingdom in 1999 of the Karmapa Lama, who was secretly escaping to India from Tibet.

The New York Times

In exchange for its consent, Georgia sought transparency of trade on its border with Russia, a delicate issue because two sections of that border abut Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The New York Times

The crew that installed the fence unintentionally unearthed many of the shade plants along the garden's north border, including a delicate maidenhair fern and several young hostas.

The New York Times

They included Quakers, Methodists who wrote hymns on the wall, Socialists who added the words and music of The Red Flag, and a lace maker who contributed a delicate pattern for a flowery border.

The Guardian

That has left Turkey, the U.S. and the Kurds on both sides of the Syria-Turkey border in a delicate dance -- as U.S. planes fly to help the Kurds battle ISIS from a base in Turkey, Turkish planes are bombing allied Kurds in Iraq's Kurd-controlled northeast.

Huffington Post

A delicate table runner with crocheted border has been unfolded over the tablecloth for the occasion, the creases carefully running toward the back of the painting, creating the illusion of perspective.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate border" in writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it the fragility of the boundary, its subtle nature, or the sensitivity required in dealing with it? Choose contexts where this fragility or subtlety is a key element of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate border" in situations where the boundary is clearly strong or well-defined. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the boundary is easily disrupted or requires careful handling. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate border" primarily functions as a noun phrase that is modified by the adjective "delicate". The adjective emphasizes the fragility, subtlety, or sensitivity of the border. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate border" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that describes a boundary requiring careful handling due to its fragility or sensitivity. It is prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey—fragility, subtlety, or sensitivity—and avoid overuse in contexts where the boundary is clearly strong. Alternatives such as ""a fine line"" or ""a fragile boundary"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fine line

Implies a subtle distinction that requires careful navigation, shifting the focus from a physical border to a conceptual one.

a sensitive boundary

Emphasizes the potential for disruption or offense, highlighting the vulnerability of the border.

a fragile boundary

Stresses the ease with which the border can be breached or broken, focusing on its lack of resilience.

a subtle demarcation

Highlights the understated nature of the border, suggesting it may be difficult to perceive.

a precarious edge

Implies instability and risk, focusing on the danger associated with the border.

a nuanced distinction

Focuses on the subtle differences that define the border, emphasizing its complexity.

a vulnerable frontier

Highlights the defenselessness of the border, suggesting exposure to potential threats.

a tenuous boundary

Implies a weak or uncertain border, suggesting it may not be clearly defined or maintained.

a gossamer edge

Emphasizes the extreme delicacy and thinness of the border, using a metaphor to convey its fragility.

a slender division

Suggests a narrow and easily crossed border, focusing on its limited width or extent.

FAQs

How can "a delicate border" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "a delicate border" is used to describe a boundary that is fragile, subtle, or requires careful handling. For instance, "The negotiation was complicated by "a delicate border" between diplomacy and appeasement" shows how easily the situation could shift.

What are some alternatives to "a delicate border"?

Alternatives include "a fine line", "a sensitive boundary", or "a fragile boundary". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize subtlety, sensitivity, or vulnerability.

Is it correct to use "a delicate border" in a political context?

Yes, "a delicate border" is often used in political contexts to describe international boundaries, treaties, or relationships that require careful management. For example, "The peace treaty established "a delicate border" between the two nations".

What's the difference between "a delicate border" and "a rigid boundary"?

"A delicate border" implies fragility and the need for careful handling, while "a rigid boundary" suggests firmness and inflexibility. They are opposites: one is easily disrupted, the other is resistant to change.