a delicate boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sensitive or nuanced distinction between two concepts, ideas, or situations. Example: "In discussions about personal freedom and societal responsibility, there exists a delicate boundary that must be navigated carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In creative non-fiction, writers are walking a delicate boundary between the two sorts of truth.

The Guardian - Books

Failure is preordained, and "When We Leave" walks a delicate boundary between tragedy and a flimsier, easier form of pathos.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The movie, like so many others that revisit the turmoil and deprivation of the last century from the perspective of a child, walks the delicate boundary between politically inflected realism and costumed sentimentality.

The New York Times

Like many other movies that revisit the turmoil and deprivation of the past century from the perspective of a child, Mr. Frears's new film, about a young boy in 1930's Liverpool, England, walks the delicate boundary between politically inflected realism and costumed sentimentality.

The New York Times

I took care with the edges where the delicate boundary between the dark red clot and the pearly white brain would need to be dissected.

Vice

Chris Sugrue, who is one of my former students at Parsons, has a really beautiful project that she made called Delicate Boundaries.

Vice

Acknowledging the demands of the research and review process and understanding expectations and contextual elements are helpful in managing the delicate boundaries between research and advocacy and those between science and policy as well as practice.

Health Policy and Planning

The assumption on the star-shaped boundaries of the annulus is a delicate hypothesis.

Boundary Value Problems

Muriel, who often blurs the boundaries between professional and personal, gives Juan a delicate job.

The Guardian - Books

Theirs is a delicate task.

The Economist

That is a delicate balance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a delicate boundary" when emphasizing the need for careful navigation between two distinct but closely related concepts or situations. For enhanced clarity, contextualize the boundary's relevance, making clear what depends on its careful management.

Common error

While "a delicate boundary" is appropriate in certain contexts, avoid overusing it. Vary your language by using "'a fine line'" or "'a subtle distinction'" to maintain reader engagement and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate boundary" functions as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "boundary". According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively describes a nuanced distinction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate boundary" is a phrase used to describe a subtle yet important distinction requiring careful navigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science. When writing, remember to use it when precision and caution are paramount. Avoid overuse, and consider alternatives like "a fine line" for variety. The phrase conveys a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fine line

This alternative is a more common and concise way to describe a subtle distinction.

a precarious balance

This phrase emphasizes the instability or risk associated with maintaining equilibrium.

a sensitive area

This alternative highlights the potential for causing offense or difficulty.

a tenuous distinction

This phrase emphasizes the fragility and subtlety of the difference.

a subtle nuance

This alternative focuses on the slight difference that can be easily overlooked.

a critical juncture

This option suggests a point of significant importance where careful navigation is required.

a risky proposition

This alternative emphasizes the potential for negative consequences or failure.

a challenging intersection

This phrase highlights the difficulty of reconciling conflicting elements.

a tricky situation

This emphasizes the difficulty and need for careful handling of the matter at hand.

a difficult balance

This alternative highlights the challenge of achieving equilibrium.

FAQs

What does "a delicate boundary" mean?

The phrase "a delicate boundary" refers to a subtle and sensitive distinction between two things, requiring careful navigation and consideration to avoid negative consequences.

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

You can use "a delicate boundary" to describe situations where careful judgment is needed. For example, "There's "a delicate boundary" between providing constructive criticism and being overly critical."

What are some alternatives to "a delicate boundary"?

Some alternatives include "a fine line", "a sensitive area", or "a precarious balance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a delicate boundary"?

It is appropriate to use "a delicate boundary" when discussing situations that require careful consideration and awareness to avoid causing harm or imbalance. It's best used when the distinction is subtle and easily blurred.