closer to the boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closer to the boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing proximity to a limit, edge, or dividing line in various contexts, such as geography, sports, or abstract concepts. Example: "The new park design places the playground closer to the boundary of the property to maximize space for other amenities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"By mentioning the term 'soldier' in a humanitarian context, he is coming closer to the boundary".

The New York Times

Drivers navigated significantly closer to the boundary of the work area in the reduced taper length design.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Such certainty is difficult to establish and, though this case must have strayed closer to the boundary than many, it did not cross the line.

The Guardian - Sport

The extrapolation may become unstable in the sense that some of the extrapolation coefficients increase rapidly when the grid nodes are getting closer to the boundary.

Journal of Computational Physics

However, we show that if the heterogeneities are distributed in such a way that they are closer to the boundary of injection, the irreducible wetting phase saturation is higher.

Chemical Engineering Science

In Bilin, Budrus and other spots along Israel's barrier that takes bites out of Palestinian territory in the West Bank, they may have helped persuade Israel's courts to push the West Bank barrier closer to the boundary that existed before the war of 1967.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In the Sundarbans region, overpopulation is pushing people closer to the boundaries of the parks where the tigers live.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given a degree d, the roots of the Chebyshev polynomial are closer to the boundaries x = 0, 1 than the roots of the Gegenbauer polynomial.

Genetics

The New Era's four-floor blocks lie close to the boundary on the Hoxton side.

The Guardian - Opinion

No spacecraft has ever come close to the boundary, known as the termination shock.

The New York Times

Located close to the boundary with Babylonia, it played that empire off against Mitanni whenever possible.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or less tangible limits, consider whether a more evocative term like "threshold", "precipice", or "cusp" might provide greater impact than "boundary".

Common error

Avoid using "closer to the boundary" when discussing abstract concepts where proximity isn't the most relevant factor. For instance, instead of saying "the argument is closer to the boundary of being illogical", consider saying "the argument borders on being illogical" or "approaches illogicality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closer to the boundary" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating relative proximity to a defined limit or edge. Ludwig examples show it describing physical locations, abstract states, and even theoretical limits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closer to the boundary" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate nearness to a limit, edge, or defined line. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse domains. While it appears frequently in scientific contexts, news reporting, and academic writing, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives such as "nearer the limit" or "approaching the edge" may provide a more precise fit depending on the situation. Furthermore, be mindful when applying this phrase to abstract concepts; sometimes, more evocative wording may be more impactful. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can confidently incorporate "closer to the boundary" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearer the limit

This alternative uses 'nearer' instead of 'closer', slightly emphasizing the comparative aspect of proximity.

approaching the edge

This alternative uses 'approaching' to indicate movement towards the edge, implying a dynamic process.

in proximity to the border

This option uses a more formal tone and substitutes 'boundary' with 'border'.

adjacent to the margin

This is a more formal alternative, replacing 'boundary' with 'margin' to signify a border or edge.

verging on the brink

This alternative uses 'verging' to indicate a state close to a significant threshold, which makes the phrase more metaphorical.

in close range of the limit

This alternative emphasizes the narrowness of the range, stressing how tight the limit is.

nearing the dividing line

This alternative uses 'dividing line' instead of 'boundary', emphasizing the separation aspect.

within reach of the border

This alternative implies that something can be obtained when reaching the border.

on the verge of the boundary

This alternative shifts the focus to being on the edge of something that is about to happen or change.

a stone's throw from the edge

This is a more informal alternative that emphasizes how close something is by using a common idiom.

FAQs

How can I use "closer to the boundary" in a sentence?

The phrase "closer to the boundary" is used to indicate that something is nearing a limit, edge, or dividing line. For example: "As the deadline approached, the project fell "closer to the boundary" of being incomplete."

What's a more formal alternative to "closer to the boundary"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "in proximity to the border" or "adjacent to the margin". These options provide a more elevated tone while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "closer to the boundary" when discussing abstract concepts?

While grammatically correct, "closer to the boundary" may not always be the most precise choice for abstract ideas. Consider alternatives like "bordering on" or "approaching" to better convey nuanced meanings.

What's the difference between "closer to the boundary" and "on the boundary"?

"Closer to the boundary" indicates approaching a limit, while "on the boundary" signifies being precisely at the limit itself. For example, a value "closer to the boundary" of acceptable risk is still within acceptable limits, but one "on the boundary" may need immediate attention.