at the borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the borders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to physical or metaphorical boundaries, such as geographical borders or limits of a concept. Example: "The refugees were gathered at the borders, hoping for a chance to cross into safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its contours were palpable and bleeding at the borders.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, at the borders where they meet, it is not.

The New Yorker

"I support security at the borders," Mr. Giuliani said.

The New York Times

We're going to look at the borders, very importantly.

The New Yorker

You rightly cite inadequate staffing levels at the borders.

The New York Times

On September 15th Argentina blocked imports of books, and over 1m piled up at the borders.

The Economist

Four of the five traits have essentially the same distribution, clustering at the borders of Mesoamerica.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dragnet tactics don't taper at the borders of black and brown communities.

The New York Times

"Now we are at the borders," said the spokesman, Al-Sawarmi Khalid.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most potent evidence of Libya's power vacuum is at the borders.

The New York Times - Magazine

The responsibilities of governors, if not their ambitions, end at the borders of their states.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the borders", consider the context to determine if a more specific term, such as "boundary", "frontier", or "edge", would be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the borders" when referring to abstract concepts if it creates ambiguity. Instead, opt for phrases like "on the periphery of" or "touching upon" to convey a less literal sense of proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the borders" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location or position relative to a boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the borders" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase that signifies a location or situation near a boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While highly common, careful consideration of context is advised to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in abstract settings. Related phrases like "on the edge of" or "near the frontiers" may offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning. Remember that while "on the borders" exists, "at the borders" is generally preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the edge of

Replaces "borders" with "edge", focusing on the boundary itself.

along the boundary line

Specifies the boundary as a line, adding precision.

near the frontiers

Substitutes "borders" with "frontiers", implying a more remote or contested boundary.

in the vicinity of the limits

Replaces "borders" with "limits" and uses a more formal tone.

at the periphery of

Uses "periphery" to suggest a surrounding area rather than a strict boundary.

bordering on

Transforms the phrase into a participial phrase, emphasizing the act of bordering.

adjacent to the boundaries

Emphasizes physical closeness to the boundaries.

where they intersect

Focuses on the point where boundaries meet or cross.

in the frontier zone

Highlights the area immediately around the border, often implying a transitional space.

at the dividing lines

Replaces "borders" with "dividing lines", which can be physical or abstract.

FAQs

What does "at the borders" mean?

The phrase "at the borders" typically refers to a location near or on the boundary lines between two areas, whether physical (like countries) or abstract (like concepts). It indicates proximity or a position influencing or being influenced by both sides.

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

You can use "at the borders" to describe physical locations (e.g., "Customs officials are stationed at the borders") or abstract interactions (e.g., "Innovation often happens at the borders of different disciplines").

What are some alternatives to "at the borders"?

Alternatives include "on the edge of", "along the boundary line", or "near the frontiers", depending on the desired nuance and context.

Is there a difference between "at the borders" and "on the borders"?

While both phrases indicate proximity to borders, "at the borders" is more common and generally preferred. "On the borders" could imply a more direct position directly on the border line, but the distinction is subtle.