at the boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in a figurative sense to refer to a limit or border between two things, whether literal or figurative. For example, "The regulations set a clear boundary at which point businesses can no longer appeal the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reassured that they were safe, she ran back to her post at the boundary.

The Guardian

Shaw, who died in 1989, was poised at the boundary of this conflict.

The New Yorker

The three other shipwrecks are at the boundary and so have suffered much more decay.

The New York Times

The jurisdiction of the government ends at the boundary of writer's body.

The New Yorker

Something vital is happening at the boundary between classical music and jazz.

The New Yorker

Our new neighbors had placed it right at the boundary between our yards.

The New York Times

This situation resulted because of the misconception that graptolites became extinct at the boundary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukThe Perfect Wave: With Neutrinos at the Boundary of Space and Time.

The Economist

The spreading of the light at the boundary of a large pinhole by diffraction is slight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In one of the tournament's matches, elephants had appeared at the boundary fence of the stadium.

The New York Times

She says she makes art "that does battle at the boundary between life and death".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the boundary" to precisely indicate a location, state, or condition that exists on a dividing line or transitional zone. This is suitable when describing physical spaces, abstract concepts, or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "at the boundary" in overly abstract or vague contexts where more specific terms like "regarding", "concerning", or "about" would provide greater clarity. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly technical or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the boundary" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify a location, limit, or transitional space. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in both physical and abstract contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the boundary" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to denote location, limit, or interaction relative to a dividing line. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from scientific discourse to news reports. Its frequency is very high, particularly in scientific and news media. When writing, use "at the boundary" to precisely define a position relative to a border or division, but avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts where more specific terms would improve clarity. Consider similar phrases like "on the border" or "at the interface" depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the border

Focuses on the geographical or physical limit between two regions or entities.

at the edge

Highlights the outermost part or limit of something, emphasizing its position relative to an area.

at the limit

Emphasizes reaching the maximum extent or degree possible.

at the interface

Specifically refers to the area where two distinct systems, subjects or entities meet and interact.

in proximity to

Indicates closeness or nearness to a specific limit, without necessarily being exactly on it.

along the dividing line

Stresses the presence of a specific marked or known limit separating items.

where X meets Y

General formulation to highlight the merge, border, intersection or meeting point of two items.

at the intersection

Focuses on the exact point where two or more things cross or converge.

in the vicinity of

Suggests a general area around the limit, rather than pinpointing the limit itself.

bordering on

Emphasizes the act of touching or being next to the border

FAQs

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

Use "at the boundary" to describe something situated on or near a dividing line or transition point. For example: "The guard stood "at the boundary" between the two countries" or "New ideas often emerge "at the boundary" of different disciplines".

What phrases are similar to "at the boundary"?

Similar phrases include "on the border", "at the edge", and "at the interface". The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a physical location, a limit, or an interaction between two things.

Is it correct to say "at the boundary of"?

Yes, "at the boundary of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates that something is located on or near the dividing line or perimeter of a specified area or concept. For instance, "The research was conducted "at the boundary of" physics and chemistry".

When is it better to use "at the interface" instead of "at the boundary"?

Use "at the interface" when you want to emphasize the interaction or connection between two distinct entities or systems. "At the boundary" simply indicates location, while "at the interface" implies a more active exchange or interaction. For example: "The new technology operates "at the interface" between hardware and software".