blurred boundaries

USAGE SUMMARY

"blurred boundaries" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe any situation in which boundaries are not clearly defined and may be hard to distinguish. For example, you could say "The blurred boundaries between work and home life can be difficult to manage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then this is a performance of touchingly blurred boundaries.

The Guardian

It's blurred boundaries between the political activities and the military operations".

The New York Times

In the past, Mr. Jean blurred boundaries between his personal, business and philanthropic enterprises.

The New York Times

Conflicts of interest and blurred boundaries between institutions seem to be the norm, and powers are amalgamated rather than separated.

The Economist

The duo, which operates under the moniker FICTILIS, makes exhibitions and interventions animated by a playful interrogation of social institutions and blurred boundaries between fiction and reality.

The New Yorker

In a statement, Facebook made a virtue of those blurred boundaries, announcing that Zuckerberg and Chan "believe in pursuing philanthropy concurrently with pursuing their professional careers".

The Guardian - Tech

Stromae is a Belgian-Rwandan who lost his father in the Rwandan genocide and grew up in Europe; he is a product of these blurred boundaries.

The New Yorker

Surrounded by Driggs Avenue, Lorimer Street, Bayard Street and Union Avenue, the track is a place of inspiration, blurred boundaries and shared sweat.

The New York Times

Mr. Jean has blurred boundaries between his personal business and Yéle Haiti's mission — using the charity to pay his production company for benefit concerts that he headlined.

The New York Times

Drawing on interviews with researchers from both fields, on participatory observation in conferences and courses and on documentary analysis, this paper delineates differences and similarities, incompatibilities and blurred boundaries.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences

But there are plenty of blurred boundaries.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blurred boundaries", ensure the context clearly indicates which entities or concepts are becoming indistinct. Providing specific examples enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "blurred boundaries" without specifying what exactly is blurred. For example, instead of saying "There are blurred boundaries," specify "There are blurred boundaries between personal and professional life."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blurred boundaries" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a state where clear divisions or distinctions are lacking. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blurred boundaries" effectively communicates a lack of clear distinction between entities or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across varied contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. While its use is generally neutral, it leans towards the formal side due to its abstract nature. When using "blurred boundaries", specify what is becoming indistinct to avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases include "unclear demarcation" and "vague divisions". This makes "blurred boundaries" a versatile phrase to convey situations where clarity is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unclear demarcation

Uses "demarcation" to emphasize the lack of clear separation.

Indistinct limits

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the limits or extents of something.

Vague divisions

Highlights the imprecise nature of the divisions between entities.

Overlapping areas

Suggests that the different areas are not clearly defined and extend into each other.

Intertwined aspects

Focuses on the interconnectedness and lack of separation between different aspects.

Fluid distinctions

Emphasizes the dynamic and changeable nature of the distinctions.

Porous borders

Uses the metaphor of a porous material to describe the lack of a solid boundary.

Mixed realms

Suggests the blending of different realms or domains.

Shifting borders

Highlights how the borders are dynamically transitioning.

Nebulous frontiers

Emphasizes the haziness and indistinctness of the frontiers.

FAQs

How can I use "blurred boundaries" in a sentence?

You can use "blurred boundaries" to describe situations where distinctions are unclear. For example, "The company's policy created "blurred boundaries" between employees' personal and professional lives."

What's the difference between "blurred boundaries" and "unclear distinctions"?

"Blurred boundaries" emphasizes the lack of a defined line, while "unclear distinctions" focuses on the difficulty in telling things apart. While similar, "blurred boundaries" suggests a merging or overlapping, whereas "unclear distinctions" highlights a lack of clarity in the differences.

What are some synonyms for "blurred boundaries"?

Some synonyms for "blurred boundaries" include "vague divisions", "indistinct limits", and "overlapping areas".

Is it appropriate to use "blurred boundaries" in formal writing?

Yes, "blurred boundaries" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing abstract concepts or complex relationships. Its use is documented in reputable sources like The New York Times and academic journals.