being bordered by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being bordered by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is surrounded or enclosed by another entity, often in a geographical or spatial context. Example: "The small island is being bordered by a vast ocean on all sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The hope is that a few of the 'big boys' will get something of a wake-up call as the stadium is small and, being bordered by a railway line, it is somewhat inaccessible.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The highway runs eastward for a short distance, being bordered by an apartment complex and a small gas station.

Wikipedia

The stage is bordered by a piano-key design.

The New York Times

The beach is bordered by a street lined with restaurants and shops.

The New York Times

The Sahara is bordered by a semi-arid savanna known as the Sahel.

The New Yorker

On one side, it is bordered by a sheer cliff, on the other by sloping sheep-nibbled grassy fields.

The New York Times

The grave was bordered by a wooden fence and a chain-link fence, not a corrugated metal fence.

The New York Times

It occupied a small cove that was bordered by a formal esplanade of carved granite posts and iron railings.

The New York Times

The parlor ceiling is bordered by a decorative dentil molding, a geometric style typical of the period.

The New York Times

The fjord is bordered by a narrow strip of rich agricultural land that quickly gives way to steep mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two crocheted doilies and a Walt Disney Snow White cookbook overlay the photograph, which is bordered by a ruffled white frame.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being bordered by a" to clearly indicate that something's boundary is defined by another element. For instance, "The park is being bordered by a river", is an effective way to show proximity and demarcation.

Common error

Avoid using "being bordered by a" when active voice is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The city is being bordered by mountains", consider "Mountains border the city" for a more concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being bordered by a" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the physical relationship of adjacency. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing geographical features or boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being bordered by a" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase commonly used to describe spatial relationships and boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, scientific and wiki sources, indicating it is suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly specifies the bordering element and consider whether an active voice construction might provide greater clarity. Alternative phrases like "adjacent to" or "surrounded by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, it's a useful and versatile phrase for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjacent to

Specifies nearness without necessarily implying enclosure or a boundary.

abutting

Suggests a direct physical contact along a border.

adjoining

A more concise term indicating direct adjacency, lacking the explicit action of bordering.

enclosed by

Highlights the encompassing nature of the border, suggesting a more defined boundary.

surrounded by

Focuses on complete enclosure, unlike the partial implication of "bordered".

lined by

Implies objects or features along a border, rather than the border itself.

fringed with

Suggests a decorative border, unlike the functional implication of "bordered".

confined by

Emphasizes restriction by the border, implying limitation.

hemmed in by

Highlights feeling trapped or closely surrounded.

verging on

Suggests proximity at the edge of something, but without physical contact.

FAQs

How can I use "being bordered by a" in a sentence?

Use "being bordered by a" to describe a boundary or edge of a place or object, for example: "The garden is being bordered by a tall fence."

What can I say instead of "being bordered by a"?

Alternatives include "adjacent to", "surrounded by", or "enclosed by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is bordered by" instead of "being bordered by a"?

Yes, "is bordered by" is a grammatically correct and often more concise alternative to "being bordered by a", particularly when describing a static condition.

How does "being bordered by a" differ from "bordering"?

"Bordering" is a present participle or gerund that can act as an adjective or noun, while "being bordered by a" uses the passive voice to emphasize the object being acted upon. For example, the sentence "the field "bordering" the forest" describes what the field does (borders), and "being bordered by a forest" describes the state of the field.