clear boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear boundary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a physical or metaphorical line that divides two distinct sections or things. For example, "The rules of the game established a clear boundary between those who were allowed to play and those who could not."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there is a clear boundary".

The Guardian

I hit against a very clear boundary here.

The New Yorker

By setting standards this provides a clear boundary and targets to achieve.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a comforting notion – one that draws a clear boundary between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

The Guardian

There is, as he says, 'no clear boundary line between ignorance and knowledge'.

The Guardian - Books

"There isn't a clear boundary between them, and this is the space Chávez moves in".

The New Yorker

There is a clear boundary between these two regions.

Electrochimica Acta

Instead, she demonstrates how their interdependent performances blur any clear boundary between sincere and empty conversions.

Columbia University

Company executives see a clear boundary between their defensive roles as protectors and the offensive operations of the military.

The New York Times

Israel is reluctant to create a clear boundary here, fearing that it would imply a border and Palestinian sovereignty.

The New York Times

A clear boundary between brittle and ductile fracture behavior is thus identified.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear boundary" in technical writing, ensure you define what constitutes the boundary to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the metrics or criteria used to establish the "clear boundary".

Common error

Avoid using "clear boundary" when the concepts involved are inherently overlapping or fuzzy. A "clear boundary" implies a distinct separation, so using it in contexts where such separation doesn't exist can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear boundary" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "clear" modifies the noun "boundary". It serves to describe a limit or separation that is easily distinguishable. Ludwig shows many examples where it specifies a distinction between regions, concepts, or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear boundary" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a distinct separation between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the boundary is well-defined to avoid ambiguity, but also be mindful not to apply it where the concepts are inherently overlapping. Consider alternatives like "distinct demarcation" or "well-defined limit" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-defined limit

Focuses on the precision and clarity of the limitation.

sharp distinction

Indicates a noticeable and obvious difference.

distinct demarcation

Emphasizes the act of setting limits clearly.

explicit border

Emphasizes that the boundary is communicated directly and plainly.

unambiguous separation

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the division.

precise delineation

Focuses on the exactness of the boundary's representation.

evident division

Stresses the obviousness of the split or separation.

discernible edge

Highlights the ease with which the limit or border can be perceived.

defined perimeter

Highlights a limitation on a physical space or abstract concept.

identifiable frontier

Focuses on the frontier being easy to recognize and establish.

FAQs

How can I use "clear boundary" in a sentence?

You can use "clear boundary" to describe a distinct separation between two things. For example: "The new policy established a "clear boundary" between personal and professional use of company resources."

What are some alternatives to using "clear boundary"?

Alternatives to "clear boundary" include "distinct demarcation", "well-defined limit", or "unambiguous separation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "clear boundary" or "defined boundary"?

"Clear boundary" and "defined boundary" are similar, but "clear boundary" emphasizes ease of perception, while "defined boundary" emphasizes the act of setting the boundary. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What does it mean to set a "clear boundary" in a relationship?

In a relationship, setting a "clear boundary" means communicating your limits and expectations plainly. This helps to ensure mutual respect and understanding. For example, "It's important to set a "clear boundary" regarding personal space and time".