border

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "border" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the boundary between two countries or other geographical areas, or to refer to a line that marks the limit or boundary of something. For example, "The river forms the border between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.

The Guardian

The Times reported that he said: "You have tanks and armour rolling across the Ukrainian border, and you have an Estonian border guard being captured and not yet still returned.

The Guardian

As a result, leaders of all parties were making all kinds of offers to hand over powers north of the border, including tax-raising powers that remained a no-go area in the Bernstein plan.

The Guardian

The US satellite photos showed Russian troops at bases 50 miles from the border.

The Guardian

This is the first time the government has admitted the boat's existence after both Morrison and the Australian prime minister repeatedly refused to comment on its whereabouts, citing national security interests under Australia's hardline military-led border regime.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for the acting minister for immigration and border protection, Julie Bishop, said: "The government provided the high court with the information it requested.

The Guardian

At 15 I had a trial with Dundalk, just across the border, and at 16 I got into the first team as a 30-bob-a-week amateur.

The Guardian - Sport

But there's always been a grey area about what's entirely devolved, with enough ambiguity for the party to cast popular votes, which also fitted with its instincts, against student fees and foundation hospitals south of the border.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every Mexican, every Hispanic that crosses the border, they want the American dream.

The Guardian

So, if we are going to be tough on border protection to avoid people drowning at sea, we also need to be compassionate by increasing the humanitarian refugee intake.

The Guardian

And beyond our eastern border, Vladimir Putin is calculating his next move after the Crimean Anschluss and setting fire to eastern Ukraine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about international relations, use "border" to refer to the official boundary between countries. For instance: "The troops were stationed along the border."

Common error

Avoid confusing "border", which refers to a boundary, with "boarder", which refers to someone who rents a room in a house. Using the wrong term can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "border" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a boundary line or the edge of something. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to adjoin or lie along a boundary, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "border" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe boundaries or edges, with a secondary verb form indicating adjacency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its prevalence in News & Media sources makes it a common term for geographical and political discussions. When using "border", be mindful of its homophone "boarder" to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "boundary line" or "frontier" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the context. Overall, understanding its grammatical function, purpose, and common errors ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boundary line

Emphasizes the legal or official demarcation of a territory or area.

frontier

Suggests a less defined or more contested boundary, often associated with exploration or expansion.

edge

Refers to the outer limit of an object or area, focusing on its physical boundary.

perimeter

Highlights the measurement or extent of the boundary surrounding an area.

dividing line

Focuses on the function of the boundary as a separator between two entities.

demarcation line

Stresses the precise marking or defining of a boundary.

limits

Indicates the maximum extent or scope of something, implying a boundary.

confines

Highlights the restrictions or constraints imposed by a boundary.

outer limits

Emphasizes the farthest extent or reach of something.

bounding line

Describes the line that marks the limit or boundary of something.

FAQs

How can I use "border" in a sentence?

You can use "border" to refer to the edge of something, like "the border of the garden", or as the boundary between two countries, such as "the border between Canada and the USA".

What's the difference between "border" and "frontier"?

"Border" typically refers to a clearly defined boundary, while "frontier" often suggests a less defined or more contested area. For example, frontier is used when talking about old wild west era.

What are some synonyms for "border" when referring to a boundary?

Alternatives include "boundary line", "edge", "perimeter", or "dividing line", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "bordering on" something?

Yes, "bordering on" can mean physically adjacent to something, or figuratively approaching a certain state or condition. For example, "Connecticut borders on Massachusetts" or "His behavior was bordering on rude".