cross the boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross the boundary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to go beyond a set limit or boundary. It can be used in many contexts, such as describing physical boundaries like a fence or border, or more abstract boundaries like personal or moral limits. Example: The children were warned not to cross the boundary into the neighbor's yard. Here, "cross the boundary" refers to going past the fence or physical boundary separating the two properties. Example: The CEO's actions crossed the boundary of ethical business practices. Here, "cross the boundary" refers to going beyond the accepted moral or professional limits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You cross the boundary, you die.

The New Yorker

The Entourage team said their goal was to cross the boundary between home and office transparently.

The New York Times - Tech

"Stuxnet was the first cyberweapon to cross the boundary from the cyber realm to physical realm.

The Guardian - Film

Those who give advice should know when they cross the boundary from good insights into scaremongering.

The New York Times - Food

When do you cross the boundary from appropriate child-raising to negligence?

The New York Times

In the early days of pro sports, some owners did cross the boundary onto the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Common interests have the potential to cross the boundary separating city and suburbs.

The New York Times

Ms. Hillenbrand's was nonetheless a big enough best seller to cross the boundary between literary success and pop-cultural sensation.

The New York Times

Some writers cross the boundary, of course: novelists do sometimes turn their hands to non-fiction, and vice versa.

The Guardian - Books

In this way, humans cross the boundary that otherwise separates them from the world of the gods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A tariff, or duty, is a tax levied on products when they cross the boundary of a customs area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross the boundary" in writing, ensure the type of boundary (physical, ethical, professional) is clear to the reader for better comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "cross the boundary" in contexts where the boundary is vague or undefined. For example, instead of saying "He crossed the boundary of friendship", specify what specific action constituted crossing that boundary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cross the boundary" is as a verb phrase, where 'cross' is the verb and 'the boundary' is the direct object. As Ludwig explains, it signifies surpassing or exceeding a defined limit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross the boundary" is a frequently used phrase that signifies exceeding a defined limit or border, with its usage spanning diverse contexts from the physical to the ethical. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and broad applicability. While "cross the boundary" is versatile, related phrases such as ""cross the line"" or "overstep the mark" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. When employing this phrase, clarity about the specific boundary being crossed is essential for effective communication. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross the line

Implies exceeding an acceptable limit, often in a moral or ethical sense.

overstep the mark

Similar to crossing the line, but often used in British English.

exceed the limits

Focuses on surpassing a quantifiable or defined limit.

transgress the bounds

A more formal way of saying to exceed acceptable limits or rules.

go beyond the pale

Indicates behavior that is completely unacceptable or outrageous.

infringe upon

Suggests a violation or intrusion on someone's rights or space.

encroach on

Implies gradually advancing beyond established limits or territory.

violate the confines

Suggests a breach of physical or abstract limits.

pass over the barrier

Highlights the act of moving beyond a physical or metaphorical obstruction.

break through the barrier

Describes surpassing restrictions, often with some implied effort.

FAQs

What does "cross the boundary" mean?

The phrase "cross the boundary" means to go beyond a defined limit or established border, whether physical, ethical, or conceptual. It suggests exceeding what is considered acceptable or permissible.

How can I use "cross the boundary" in a sentence?

You can use "cross the boundary" to describe situations where someone exceeds a limit. For example: "The company's marketing tactics "cross the line" between promotion and deception."

What are some alternative phrases to "cross the boundary"?

Alternatives to "cross the boundary" include phrases like "overstep the mark", "exceed the limits", or "transgress the bounds", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cross the boundary" or "cross the line"?

While both phrases are similar, "cross the line" often refers to exceeding a moral or ethical limit, whereas "cross the boundary" can refer to physical, ethical, or conceptual limits. The best choice depends on the context.