borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "borders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing boundaries, limits, or edges of a particular area or concept. Example: "The borders of the country were clearly marked on the map."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It will be two-way traffic, though there is no doubt the main aim is to get local people in and out of Edinburgh so they can work but still live in the Borders," said Network Rail's Hugh Wark, project director for the Borders Railway.

The Guardian

"The state of Palestine should be based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps and with security guarantees for itself and Israel.

The Guardian

If we don't want British contemporary theatre to become a little ghetto of its own, then our theatre-makers need to get outside of European borders more, and that is likely to become more difficult if we won't let others in.

The Guardian

He became a leading interpreter of the mainstream repertoire – in particular the symphonies of Mahler and Shostakovich, and the concertos of Brahms – but also of his country's music, which he conducted with a poignancy, briskness, power and beauty that borders on the unbearable.

The Guardian - Music

Rising temperatures leading to greater water scarcity, sea level rises and extreme weather events may exacerbate tensions over natural resources and cause large numbers of people to become "climate refugees" as they migrate across borders.

The Guardian - Opinion

The group has since been pushed back with the help of offensives launched by troops from Chad and Niger while Cameroon has fought off militants along its borders.

The Guardian

Don't they realise that Germany weren't even playing in that game in 1982 (though it's too much to expect ITV to pay attention to anything like the political borders in place at the time)." Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 8.38pm BST20:38 — Football Clichés (@FootballCliches) June 30 ,2014 Lee Dixon's gone full River Island tonight.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of being organised solely on a geographic basis, the bank will now pool its expertise across sectors such as health, education and transport so that ideas could be shared across national borders.

The Guardian

Here's how they found the experience.... Our weekday detox was on a Wednesday night, so I did some sewing: Diwali is coming up, so I needed to work on my sari, adding some little borders and adjusting it so it fits and flows properly.

The Guardian

Abdullah had proposed peace in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders, pressed for the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and called for a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Guardian

With military operations inside Ukraine's borders an unappealing prospect for many of the country's professional soldiers, irregular units are springing up as Kiev struggles to wrest back control of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from the grip of pro-Russia fighters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. In metaphorical usage, "borders" can refer to limits of knowledge, creativity, or ethical behavior. Ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "borders" interchangeably with terms like "margins" or "edges" when precision is required. "Borders" often implies a more significant or formal boundary than these alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "borders" is as a plural noun. It typically denotes the dividing lines between political territories, regions, or even abstract concepts. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts related to national boundaries and metaphorical limits, confirming its role in defining separation and scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "borders" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting boundaries between geographical or conceptual territories. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, typically in neutral register, predominantly in News & Media contexts. When using the term, be mindful of its political and social implications, and consider synonyms like "boundaries" or "limits" for specific nuances. The most common error is interchanging "borders" with similar terms without considering the formal or significant implications that "borders" often carries. Remember, the word "borders" defines and demarcates, establishing distinctions in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boundaries

Focuses on the limits or edges defining a space or entity, similar to "borders" but potentially more abstract.

boundary lines

Specifies the lines that mark the limits of an area, emphasizing the legal or official aspect of "borders".

frontiers

Emphasizes the edge of explored or settled territory, suggesting a dynamic or developing boundary.

dividing lines

Emphasizes the separation created by a border, whether physical or conceptual.

limits

Highlights restrictions or constraints, relating to "borders" in the sense of defining what is permissible or possible.

edges

Refers to the outer lines or margins of something, often used in a physical or spatial context.

margins

Indicates the areas around the main part of something, similar to "borders" but potentially less defined.

perimeters

Describes the total length of the boundary of a shape or area, often used in a formal or technical context.

demarcations

Highlights the act of setting or marking the limits or boundaries of something.

outer limits

Refers to the furthest extent or boundary of something, emphasizing the idea of maximum reach or capacity.

FAQs

How is "borders" used in the context of international relations?

In international relations, "borders" typically refer to the official boundaries between countries, often involving complex negotiations and agreements.

What are some synonyms for "borders" when referring to limitations?

When "borders" refers to limitations, you can use synonyms like "limits", "boundaries", or "constraints", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the meaning of "borders" change in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "borders" can represent the edge of acceptable behavior, knowledge, or experience. For instance, "pushing the borders of creativity" implies exploring new and unconventional ideas.

What's the difference between "borders" and "frontiers"?

"Borders" usually refer to established boundaries, while "frontiers" suggest a region at the edge of settled or known territory, often implying exploration or expansion.