border on

USAGE SUMMARY

"border on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "border on" when you want to describe something that is close to or related to something else. Example: His behavior bordered on rudeness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Crossing a border on skis is one of them.

The New York Times - Travel

Some border on the surreal.

The New York Times

Some representations border on pornography.

The New York Times - Arts

Did their zeal border on bullying?

The New York Times

Their exchanges sometimes border on the trite.

The New York Times - Arts

Some riders border on the ridiculous.

The New York Times

Some even border on vaudeville.

The New York Times - Books

I actually border on nationalism myself.

The Guardian

I think it would border on unconstitutionality".

The New York Times

They can also border on the familial.

The New York Times

Skelton's ridiculous talents border on the comical.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "border on" to express that something is close to becoming a particular, often undesirable, quality or state. For example, "His enthusiasm bordered on obsession."

Common error

Avoid using "border on" to describe positive attributes unless you intend to imply a negative aspect of excessiveness. It's better to use alternatives like "approach" or "resemble" for positive qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "border on" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically used to describe a state of nearing or closely resembling something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing examples where it indicates approximation to a certain condition or quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "border on" is a phrasal verb used to indicate that something is approaching or closely resembling a particular state or quality, often negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent usage in neutral contexts, especially within "News & Media". While versatile, it's important to consider the connotations of nearness when using "border on", as it tends to describe proximity to undesirable conditions. Related phrases such as "verge on" and "approach" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the context. The phrase is most common in "News & Media" sources and less common in formal business or encyclopedic content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge on

Implies being very close to a state or condition, often negative.

approach

Indicates nearing a particular state or quality.

resemble closely

Highlights the similarity or likeness to something else.

approximate

Suggests a close but not exact match to a certain quality or condition.

tend towards

Indicates a leaning or inclination in a specific direction.

come close to

Emphasizes the nearness to a particular state without fully reaching it.

be akin to

Highlights a resemblance or similarity in nature or quality.

touch upon

Suggests briefly dealing with or being relevant to a topic.

approximate to

Indicates a close estimation or similarity to something.

come near to

Suggests approaching a state or condition without necessarily reaching it.

FAQs

How can I use "border on" in a sentence?

The phrase "border on" is used to indicate that something closely resembles or is approaching a particular state, often one that is undesirable. For instance, "His behavior began to border on rudeness."

What's a good alternative to "border on"?

Alternatives to "border on" include "verge on", "approach", or "resemble closely", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "border on" in formal writing?

Yes, "border on" is suitable for formal writing, but consider the implications. It usually suggests that something is nearing a negative or undesirable state. Choose your words carefully to ensure you convey the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "border on" and "verge on"?

"Border on" and "verge on" are quite similar, both suggesting a state of nearing something. However, "verge on" might imply a more immediate or precarious proximity to that state.