at the frontier

USAGE SUMMARY

'at the frontier' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a boundary that separates two different geographical areas or to the edge of a range of land or sea. For example: "We encountered many new cultures on our journey, but the most fascinating experience was at the frontier where two very different worlds united."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It starts at the frontier.

The Economist

Progress is harder at the frontier.

The Economist

"We're right at the frontier".

The New York Times - Arts

We're really at the frontier of this.

The New York Times

Not yet, a look at the frontier suggests.

The Economist

This was music at the frontier of composition.

The Economist

"Unfortunately, nuclear dangers do not stop at the frontier".

The Guardian

Lorries queue up at the frontier with Turkey, taking oil out and bringing consumer goods in.

The Economist

At the frontier the flag of Montenegro flaps lazily in the wind.

The Economist

But my impression is that it stopped at the frontier of his own comfort.

The New Yorker

Once the refugees arrive at the frontier, said a UN official, that's it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the frontier" to highlight pioneering efforts or locations representing the furthest extent of progress in a specific field. It adds a sense of advancement and discovery.

Common error

While versatile, "at the frontier" is best suited for contexts involving advancement or boundaries. Refrain from using it in casual conversation where simpler phrases suffice; it can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the frontier" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or noun. It indicates a location or position that is at the leading edge or boundary of something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the frontier" is a versatile prepositional phrase that signifies being at the leading edge of progress, innovation, or discovery. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It is particularly common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. To enhance your writing, employ "at the frontier" when emphasizing pioneering efforts or cutting-edge advancements. Be mindful to avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler expressions would be more appropriate. Consider related phrases like "at the cutting edge" or "at the forefront" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the forefront of innovation

Specifically highlights leading innovation, closely related to "at the frontier" in technological or scientific contexts.

at the cutting edge

Emphasizes innovation and advancement, akin to "at the frontier" in the context of progress.

on the leading edge

Highlights innovation and being ahead, sharing the concept of progress with "at the frontier".

at the forefront

Highlights a leading position, much like "at the frontier" suggests being ahead in a field.

at the boundary

Focuses on a dividing line or border, similar to "at the frontier" but less emphasis on forward progress.

on the edge

Indicates a precarious or advanced position, related to "at the frontier" in terms of being on the brink.

in uncharted territory

Focuses on the unknown and unexplored, similar to "at the frontier" in the context of discovery.

at the limit

Focuses on reaching a maximum or extreme, sharing the concept of a boundary with "at the frontier".

at the border

Refers to a boundary or dividing line, similar to "at the frontier" in a geographical sense.

at the periphery

Emphasizes a boundary or outer edge, connecting with "at the frontier" through the idea of a limit.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the frontier" to describe being at the forefront of something new, like "They are working "at the frontier" of cancer research".

What does "at the frontier" mean?

"At the frontier" typically means being at the leading edge or boundary of something, whether it's knowledge, technology, or a geographical area.

Are there synonyms for "at the frontier"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "at the cutting edge", "at the forefront", or "on the leading edge" depending on the context.

Is "at the frontier" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "at the frontier" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, technological, or academic contexts where discussing advancements and boundaries is common.