are bounded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are bounded by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe limits or constraints that define the extent of something, often in mathematical or geographical contexts. Example: "The area of the park is bounded by the river to the north and the highway to the south."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are bounded by curbs.

The New York Times - Sports

They are bounded by the sea, and they know it.

The New York Times

Their worlds are bounded by a set of locations and conventions.

The Guardian - Books

(Such units are bounded by sudden nonevolutionary changes in the dominant elements of a phylum).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cellular autopoietic systems are bounded by a dynamic material made by the system itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in fact we are not animals whose lives are bounded by our flesh and by our gender.

The New York Times

They are bounded by a wide hedge of Ilex glabra, a blue-green holly, crisply horizontal and 30 inches high.

The New York Times

ADAM GOPNIK: Because our lives are bounded by the certainty of death, I suppose, and what reason can give us seems, to some — to so many — unsatisfying.

The New Yorker

The runway was at southeast end of Kennedy, one of several airports in the nation that pose a special security risk because they are bounded by water.

The New York Times

They are bounded by (4.53).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Our lives have meaning because they are bounded by death.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are bounded by", ensure that the boundary conditions are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the precision of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are bounded by" when describing general associations or influences. This phrase implies a definitive limit or constraint, not just a relationship. For example, don't say "success is bounded by effort"; instead, use "success is influenced by effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are bounded by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is limited or defined by certain boundaries. It describes a state of being confined or delimited, as shown in Ludwig's examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are bounded by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to define the limits or constraints of a subject, as verified by Ludwig. Predominantly found in formal and scientific contexts, it serves to specify boundaries with precision. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the phrase accurately reflects definitive limits rather than general associations. This, combined with careful attention to subject-verb agreement, will ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are limited by

Focuses on the restriction imposed, instead of spatial or abstract boundaries.

are confined by

Suggests a stricter form of limitation, implying less freedom within the boundaries.

are delimited by

Emphasizes a clear and precise marking of the boundaries.

are defined by

Highlights the role of boundaries in shaping the identity or characteristics.

are constrained by

Indicates that external forces or factors impose the boundaries.

are enclosed by

Focuses on the act of being surrounded, often physically.

are surrounded by

Similar to 'enclosed by', but emphasizes the external elements.

are marked by

Implies that the boundaries are noticeable or distinguished by certain features.

are circumscribed by

Suggests a precise and often geometrical limitation.

are restricted to

Focuses on the specific scope or range that is allowed within certain limits.

FAQs

How can I use "are bounded by" in a sentence?

Use "are bounded by" to describe something that is limited or defined by specific boundaries, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The legal rights /s/are+limited+to outlined in the contract".

What's a good alternative to "are bounded by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are limited by", "are confined by", or "are defined by".

Is it correct to say "is bounded by" instead of "are bounded by"?

Yes, but the verb form depends on the subject. Use "is bounded by" for singular subjects and "are bounded by" for plural subjects.

What is the difference between "are bounded by" and "are surrounded by"?

"Are bounded by" implies a definitive limit or constraint, while "are surrounded by" suggests being enclosed or encircled. The former is more about limits, the latter about environment.