at the border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at the border' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific border, either a geographical border between two countries, or a metaphorical border, such as the boundary between two states. For example: The professor waited at the border for her students to arrive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The line forms at the border.

The New York Times

The track now stops at the border.

The Economist

First, there are delays at the border.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not just at the border, but everywhere.

The New York Times

They wanted more agents at the border.

The New York Times

No one greeted Syrians at the border.

The New York Times

Not at the border.

The Guardian

But they didn't stop at the border.

The Guardian

"Seven days at the border being inspected.

The New York Times

Disease cannot be stopped at the border.

The New York Times

At the border they are halted.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events related to immigration or international relations, use "at the border" to accurately convey the location of the activities. Ensure clarity by specifying which border you are referring to, especially if the context doesn't make it obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "at the border" when referring to general proximity. Instead of saying "problems at the border", be specific about the type of issues, like "delays at the border" or "increased security at the border".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the border" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. It specifies where an action occurs or where something is situated, relating it directly to the dividing line between two entities, be they countries, states, or regions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the border" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase widely used to specify the location of actions, events, or entities in relation to a boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is accurate and appropriate across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register. Related phrases include "on the frontier" and "at the boundary line", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the relevant border and avoiding overgeneralizations. Given its prevalence and correctness, mastering the use of "at the border" enhances precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the international boundary

Specifies that the border is between countries, emphasizing its international significance.

at the boundary line

More formal and precise, replacing 'border' with 'boundary line' to explicitly denote a legally or officially recognized dividing line.

at the state line

Narrows the context to borders between states or provinces within a country.

on the frontier

Replaces 'border' with 'frontier', emphasizing a region's edge, often in the context of new or unexplored territories. It evokes a sense of pioneering or a less defined boundary.

at the dividing line

Highlights the function of the border as a divider, often used in more abstract or metaphorical contexts.

near the borderline

Indicates proximity to the border, rather than being directly on it. It suggests an area close to the division.

along the frontier

Implies movement or existence along the length of the border, highlighting a more extensive area than a single point.

at the edge

Generalizes the location to any edge or limit, not specifically a national or regional border. It can refer to the end of a physical space or abstract concept.

in the border region

Emphasizes a broader geographical area influenced by the border, rather than the precise line itself.

at customs

Focuses on the customs checkpoint located at the border, highlighting the administrative aspect of border control.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the border" to indicate a location or action occurring at a dividing line between two regions or countries. For instance, "Customs officials are stationed "at the border"" or "Refugees waited "at the border" seeking asylum".

What are some phrases similar to "at the border"?

Similar phrases include "on the frontier", "at the boundary line", or "near the borderline". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "in the border" instead of "at the border"?

While "in the border region" is acceptable to refer to a broader area, "at the border" is more precise when indicating a specific location on the dividing line. Saying "in the border" is grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean when something is described as happening "at the border"?

It usually signifies that an event, action, or condition is directly related to the geographical or political boundary between two entities, often involving customs, immigration, or security concerns.