bordering on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'bordering on' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is very close to something else without crossing a boundary. For example, you could say, "The forecast is predicting temperatures bordering on freezing tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jackson's wife maintains a disturbingly highhanded calm bordering "on insanity".

The New York Times

Bordering on?

The Guardian - Sport

This is bordering on abuse.

The New York Times

We are bordering on insanity".

The New Yorker

Their offense is bordering on incoherent.

The New York Times - Sports

Bossiness bordering on dictatorship.

The New York Times

This song is sincere, bordering on corny.

The New Yorker

CARAMANICA: This is bordering on insanity.

The New York Times

He expressed resignation bordering on despair.

The New York Times

No, make that melodrama, bordering on circus.

The New York Times - Arts

Bordering on glamping, I think.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bordering on" to describe something that is close to a particular state or quality, often implying a negative or undesirable aspect. For example, "His enthusiasm was bordering on obsessive."

Common error

While "bordering on" is widely accepted, be mindful of overusing it in formal or academic writing. Consider more precise or nuanced alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bordering on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or adjective, indicating that something is very close to being in a particular state or having a certain quality. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and used in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bordering on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is very close to being in a specific state or possessing a particular quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it frequently appears in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. Although the phrase maintains a neutral register, it carries a nuance of negativity. When using "bordering on", ensure it accurately reflects the proximity and intended connotation, and be mindful of potential overuse in highly formal contexts. Consider using alternative phrases like "verging on" or "approaching" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Verging on

Similar in meaning, but might suggest a slightly stronger inclination towards the state.

Approaching

Indicates a movement toward a state without necessarily reaching it.

Nearing

Similar to approaching, focusing on the process of getting closer.

Tending towards

Implies a direction or inclination, often gradual.

On the brink of

Suggests being very close to a significant or critical point.

Close to

A more general way of expressing nearness in quality or state.

Almost

Suggests near attainment of a state.

Threatening to become

Implies a potential negative outcome if the trend continues.

In danger of becoming

Highlights a risk or vulnerability in approaching a state.

Slightly resembling

Indicates a weak similarity or likeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "bordering on" to indicate that something is very close to being something else, often implying a negative or extreme quality. For example, "His behavior was "bordering on rude"" or "The project was "bordering on impossible"".

What phrases are similar to "bordering on"?

Similar phrases include "verging on", "approaching", or "tending towards". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "bordering with" instead of "bordering on"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "bordering on". "Bordering with" usually refers to geographical boundaries, not abstract qualities.

What's the difference between "bordering on" and "almost"?

"Bordering on" often implies that something is close to being undesirable or extreme, while "almost" is more neutral. For example, "The price was bordering on extortionate" suggests it was nearly too expensive, whereas "The price was almost affordable" simply means it was close to being affordable.