breaking borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking borders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing overcoming limitations, both physical and metaphorical, such as in discussions about cultural exchange, innovation, or personal growth. Example: "The artist's work is all about breaking borders and challenging societal norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For Izzard, it's about breaking borders, and breaking records.

Independent

But Jazar Crew are far from the only artists breaking borders and putting Palestine back on the map through culture.

Vice

"Planting the responsive seed - responsive design at the Guardian": Breaking Borders Conference 25 June 2013 @ Park House, Reading The Guardian recently released a new mobile site on m.guardian.co.uk, but in fact it is the planting of a seed of a more ambitious project to replace the desktop website with a future-friendly, single domain responsive product.

The Guardian

Related: Stopover in Serbia: Breaking Borders.

Vice

Watch "Dunkirk's Migrant Crisis: Breaking Borders (Dispatch 9)".

Vice

Read "Demining Experts Called to Croatia's Border as Migrants Reroute" .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's done in a very aggressive, often violent way, that you need to break borders, upheave a whole structure in order to make a difference.

The Guardian - Arts

Rectangles with red broken borders denote the horizontal area of the grid search for the source location.

Earth, Planets and Space

He breaks borders by undermining definition every time he senses it.

Huffington Post

Immigration then was not just about fixing America's alleged broken borders but a crass, naked political grab for Latino votes.

Huffington Post

Let me avert my eyes by watching a big TV prom where all the monstrous television characters–Hannah Horvath have become sentient in worlds with bent and broken borders.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaking borders" to convey a sense of innovation and progress, especially when discussing cultural exchange, technological advancements, or personal development. For instance, "The project aims at breaking borders and fostering global collaboration."

Common error

Avoid using "breaking borders" when referring to physical damage or literal breaches of national borders. The phrase is more effective when used metaphorically to describe overcoming limitations or uniting disparate elements. For example, instead of saying "The refugees were breaking borders," consider "The refugees were crossing borders."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking borders" functions as a verb phrase, typically used metaphorically to describe overcoming limitations or barriers. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "breaking borders" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies overcoming limitations and fostering unity. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and business. While "crossing boundaries" and "transcending limits" serve as viable alternatives, "breaking borders" particularly shines when emphasizing innovation and collaborative progress. Remember to use it metaphorically and not for literal breaches of physical borders to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crossing boundaries

Focuses on the act of surpassing established limits or demarcations.

transcending limits

Emphasizes exceeding or rising above existing restrictions or constraints.

overcoming barriers

Specifically addresses the act of successfully navigating and conquering obstacles.

redefining boundaries

Focuses on establishing new limits or parameters.

defying convention

Highlights the act of challenging or resisting established norms or practices.

challenging norms

Highlights questioning or contesting accepted standards of behavior or thought.

shattering constraints

Emphasizes the forceful breaking or destruction of limitations.

pushing the envelope

Implies extending the limits of what is possible or acceptable.

erasing divisions

Implies eliminating or removing factors that separate or distinguish.

surmounting obstacles

Highlights the act of overcoming significant challenges or impediments.

FAQs

How can I use "breaking borders" in a sentence?

You can use "breaking borders" to describe actions that overcome limitations or unite disparate elements. For example, "The artist's work is about breaking borders and challenging societal norms" or "Technology is "breaking down borders" and connecting people globally."

What can I say instead of "breaking borders"?

You can use alternatives like "crossing boundaries", "transcending limits", or "overcoming barriers" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "breaking borders" in a formal context?

Yes, "breaking borders" can be used in formal contexts, especially when discussing innovation, collaboration, or progress. However, ensure that the context aligns with the metaphorical meaning of the phrase, as it might not be suitable for literal border breaches.

What is the difference between "breaking borders" and ""breaking down borders""?

"Breaking borders" implies overcoming limitations or uniting disparate elements, while ""breaking down borders"" suggests dismantling existing barriers or divisions. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize overcoming or dismantling.