crossed the boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossed the boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has gone beyond a limit or a set of rules, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The athlete crossed the boundary of fair play when he used performance-enhancing drugs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

In five other areas, the scientists found, we have not yet crossed the boundary into the danger zone.

Yale University

If a prisoner crossed the boundary area, he would be shot, and the guard who shot him would get a day or two off.

The New Yorker

They were all trespassers in the sense that they crossed the boundary of rigid social-class demarcations and occupied the space of the lower classes.

The Guardian

He crossed the boundary between natural and social sciences to explore the newly emerging field of science, technology and innovation studies (STIS) as a senior lecturer.

The Guardian

A few more like them, and it might have crossed the boundary that separates a really good album from an incredible one.

The Guardian - Music

In one overzealous mission, a British helicopter mistakenly crossed the boundary earlier this month and dropped a four-man team in the middle of the insurgents' training camp.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Unfortunately, I crossed the boundaries," Father DeVita said today.

The New York Times

"Boris Johnson crossed the boundaries of a rational discourse, demonstrating political amnesia".

The Guardian

While fundamentally an engineering structure, he insisted it crossed the boundaries into design.

The Guardian

While some thought the structure had, in effect, crossed the boundaries of engineering into architecture, others were not so sure.

The Guardian

The speakers sought to discredit Dr. Leary as a known liar who casually crossed the boundaries between fact and fiction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crossed the boundary", ensure that the context clearly defines what boundary is being referenced, whether it's physical, ethical, or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "crossed the boundary" in overly vague contexts where the specific boundary isn't apparent. Clarify the nature of the boundary to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossed the boundary" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a clause. As Ludwig AI shows, it signifies an action of exceeding a defined limit, whether physical or abstract.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crossed the boundary" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of exceeding or violating a limit, rule, or demarcation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While "crossed the boundary" carries a neutral tone, its implications often suggest a negative outcome or consequence. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the boundary being referenced. Related phrases like "overstepped the mark" or "exceeded the limits" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overstepped the mark

This alternative implies exceeding acceptable limits of behavior or propriety.

overstepped the line

Similar to "overstepped the mark", this suggests exceeding a boundary of acceptable conduct.

transgressed the limits

This suggests a violation of established rules or moral principles.

exceeded the limits

This indicates surpassing a defined or acceptable level or degree.

violated the demarcation

This refers specifically to infringing upon a defined separation or border.

gone too far

This is a more general expression for exceeding what is acceptable or reasonable.

breached the barrier

This implies breaking through an obstacle or impediment.

encroached upon

This suggests gradually infringing on someone else's territory or rights.

passed the threshold

This indicates moving beyond an initial stage or point.

invaded the space

This implies intruding into a physical or metaphorical area.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "crossed the boundary"?

Saying someone "crossed the boundary" means they exceeded a limit, violated a rule, or went beyond what's considered acceptable in a given situation. The boundary can be literal, like a geographical border, or metaphorical, like a professional ethical guideline.

What can I say instead of "crossed the boundary"?

You can use alternatives like "overstepped the mark", "transgressed the limits", or "exceeded the limits" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "crossed the boundaries" instead of "crossed the boundary"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Crossed the boundary" refers to a single, specific limit, while "crossed the boundaries" implies multiple limits or a general overstepping of acceptable behavior. The choice depends on the context.

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

You can use "crossed the boundary" to describe actions that exceed acceptable limits. For example, "The company "crossed the boundary" of ethical advertising with its misleading claims" or "The hiker "crossed the boundary" into restricted territory".