around the border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around the border" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located or happening in the vicinity of a border, whether it be geographical, political, or metaphorical. Example: "The festival will take place around the border, attracting visitors from both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The officer in charge walked with me around the border.

The New Yorker

"And I liked the pictures around the border".

The New York Times

This spring in Sarasota, Fla., teammates taped small doughnut packages around the border of Gausman's locker.

The New York Times - Sports

Last fall we planted a damson plum and three small morello cherry trees around the border.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plant mixed perennials around the border, anchored by ornamental grasses and saw palmetto to reduce maintenance and add visual texture.

The New York Times - Magazine

In recent weeks, the oil dispute has escalated into violence, with the two nations clashing militarily around the border.

The New York Times

"There is chaos, there is weapons smuggling and unknown individuals fleeing," the president said of the situation around the border.

The New York Times

And the foreground isn't bad either, particularly as the route twists and curls through the thick forests around the border.

The Guardian - Travel

More than 200,000 people have already been pushed from their homes around the border in the last two years.

The New York Times

"We're counting less footprints on the dirt roads around the border and we're apprehending fewer people," the official said.

The New York Times

I was in the area around the border of Brazil and Peru, and that area left a big impact on me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or activities that affect both sides of a boundary, use "around the border" to indicate the cross-border nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "on the border" when you mean to convey activity or features extending into the area near the border. "On the border" suggests something is physically located directly at the boundary line, while "around the border" implies a broader region.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the border" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate location, activity, or characteristics related to the area near a border. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show diverse uses in describing situations near geographical or political boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around the border" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to denote the area near a border. As Ludwig AI explains, it is useful in various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers, to describe activities, conditions, or locations in the vicinity of a boundary. The neutral register and the high frequency of examples indicate its widespread acceptance. Remember to use it to specify a spatial context rather than to indicate something is precisely on the border.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the border

Indicates a location close to the border, focusing on proximity rather than encirclement.

in the border region

Highlights the area adjacent to the border, emphasizing a specific geographic zone.

bordering

Implies adjacency and a shared boundary, often used to describe countries or regions.

along the border

Suggests a linear arrangement or movement parallel to the border.

surrounding the border

Emphasizes the concept of encirclement or encompassing the border area.

adjacent to the border

Formally indicates a location directly next to the border.

in proximity to the border

Stresses nearness, with a slightly more formal tone.

in the vicinity of the border

Similar to "near", but with a broader implication of the surrounding area.

border area

Focuses on the region that constitutes the border, without specific encirclement or proximity.

frontier zone

Emphasizes the transitional nature of the border region, often with connotations of exploration or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "around the border" in a sentence?

You can use "around the border" to describe activities, locations, or conditions that exist in the area near a border. For example, "There are many checkpoints "around the border" area."

What's a good alternative to "around the border"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "near the border", "in the border region", or "along the border".

Is it better to say "on the border" or "around the border"?

The choice between "on the border" and "around the border" depends on what you want to convey. "On the border" implies something is situated directly at the boundary line, while "around the border" suggests a broader area near the border.

What does "around the border" typically describe?

"Around the border" commonly describes military activity, trade, cultural exchanges, or environmental conditions in the area adjacent to a border.