a few borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few borders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of borders, whether in a geographical, metaphorical, or conceptual context. Example: "The artist's work explores the themes of identity and migration, often blurring a few borders between cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Orchard typifies this culinary moment, when more and more restaurants don't just flit tentatively across a few borders but knock down a whole bunch of them altogether.

The New York Times - Food

But reporters hoping to catch its star, Angelina Jolie, on the red carpet at the Ziegfield Wednesday night faced a few borders themselves.

The New York Times

Of its main competitors, Irex's iLiad is being sold in a few Borders stores; Amazon's Kindle should be on sale later in the year.Like its rivals (and like a normal book), the Reader is not backlit, which means its screen can be read in direct sunlight but not in the dark.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The war was confined to a few border forays, and a seven-year peace was negotiated in December 1497, though border raids continued.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So far, he said, his patrols have found only a few border crossers, who were given water and handed over to the Border Patrol.

The New York Times

Milling around in front of it were members of the so-called masses … and confronting them were a few border guards".

The Guardian - Travel

The Interior Ministry said up to 200 armed men had crossed from Kosovo into Macedonia overnight and occupied a few border villages.

The New York Times

The House will refuse to consider a comprehensive immigration bill that could lead to citizenship for millions of immigrants, Republican leaders said on Wednesday, and will slowly and casually consider a few border-security measures that have no chance of passing on their own.

The New York Times

The biggest problems, however, arose with a few border states, such as Jodhpur, which tried to negotiate better deals with Pakistan, with Junagadh, which actually did accede to Pakistan, and with Hyderabad and Kashmir, which declared that they intended to remain independent.

Wikipedia

When a few Border Patrol agents saw a gleaming white hearse whizzing down the highway outside Tucson, Arizona, they figured the rig was worth a closer look and, with help of a keen-nosed drug-sniffing dog, they made a major marijuana bust.

Vice

To them, exclusive content deals are another big step away from an online world with few borders, where everybody plays according to the same rules.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like cultural exchange or culinary influences, use "a few borders" to convey a sense of intentional, yet limited, crossing of boundaries. For instance, "The restaurant's menu playfully blurs a few borders between traditional cuisines."

Common error

While "a few borders" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language such as "specific boundaries" or "defined limits" for greater clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few borders" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "a few" acts as a determiner specifying a limited quantity of "borders". As illustrated by Ludwig, this phrase is used both literally, referring to geographical boundaries, and metaphorically, denoting conceptual limits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few borders" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that indicates a limited number of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While not overly common, its usage is consistent across news, encyclopedic, and wiki sources. When writing, consider the context: it's ideal for conveying deliberate, constrained crossing of boundaries, but avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise language might be preferred. Consider "several boundaries" or "a limited number of borders" as alternatives for added clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several boundaries

Replaces "few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger, though still limited, number of borders.

a handful of borders

Uses "handful" to emphasize a small quantity of borders, adding a touch of informality.

a limited number of borders

More formally specifies that the number of borders is not extensive.

some frontiers

Substitutes "borders" with "frontiers", suggesting a more political or geographical sense of boundaries.

a couple of borders

Replaces "few" with "couple" suggesting only 2 borders exist

a small number of frontiers

Combines "small number" for clarity with "frontiers" for a slight shift in connotation.

various limits

Uses "various limits" suggesting multiple restrictions exist

certain demarcations

Replaces "borders" with "demarcations", referring to clear divisions.

restricted boundaries

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the boundaries involved.

minor confines

Uses "minor confines" suggesting limitations exist, but with lower scope

FAQs

How can I use "a few borders" in a sentence?

You can use "a few borders" when you want to express that something crosses or exists in a small number of bordering regions, whether literally or metaphorically. For example: "The project operates across "a few borders" in the European Union."

What are some alternatives to "a few borders"?

Alternatives include "several boundaries", "a limited number of borders", or "some frontiers", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a few borders" or "several borders"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "several borders" implies a slightly larger quantity than "a few borders". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a few borders" and "some borders"?

"A few borders" indicates a smaller, more specific number than "some borders". "Some borders" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a small quantity.