crossing boundaries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossing boundaries" is correct and it is commonly used in written English.
Example sentence: His commitment to learning was inspiring, crossing boundaries of language, culture, and time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The younger folks are crossing boundaries," he said.

The New York Times

Crossing boundaries, Ms. Javian said, is what dancing is all about.

The New York Times

Like their creator, Tanizaki's characters are perpetually crossing boundaries in search of new forms of pleasure.

The New York Times - Books

Approaching the object involves crossing boundaries attended by gatekeepers who give permission or impose ordeals.

The Guardian - Books

They called their idea "women crossing boundaries," and their professor passed it on to the fashion house.

The New York Times

This approach succeeded in crossing boundaries where political policy, social strategy, policing and corruption had previously failed.

The Guardian

Nabokov knows he is crossing boundaries of good taste but he exults in his truancy from convention anyway.

The Guardian - Books

But the society's program at the Kosciuszko Foundation on Wednesday evening was about crossing boundaries, geographical as well as stylistic.

The New York Times - Arts

As she transforms, so the movie mutates around her, gleefully crossing boundaries as it mixes and matches its tropes.

The Guardian - Film

He has made a bold film, a personal and political film, with characters from different cultures crossing boundaries.

The New York Times - Arts

In a Senate requiring 60 votes to overcome perpetual filibusters, he added, Democrats shoulder the same responsibility for crossing boundaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully; while it can mean literal movement, it is most powerful when used metaphorically to describe social, professional, or emotional breakthroughs.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "crossing boundaries" with "overstepping" in sensitive social or professional contexts. While 'crossing' can be positive (e.g., interdisciplinary innovation), it can also imply a breach of ethics. Always provide enough context to ensure the reader knows if the action is celebrated or criticized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossing boundaries" typically functions as a gerund phrase or a present participle phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as a subject or a modifier describing the nature of an action or a person's behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Arts & Literature

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "crossing boundaries" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase widely recognized in professional and academic English. Ludwig AI showcases its presence in over 60 high-quality examples, ranging from social justice advocacy to thermodynamic research. It is most frequently employed to describe interdisciplinary success or social integration. Writers should use it to convey movement beyond established limits but remain mindful of its potential to imply professional misconduct in sensitive interpersonal scenarios. Whether used in Neutral news reporting or Formal scientific analysis, it remains a robust choice for describing the breakdown of traditional divisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushing boundaries

Implies innovation and actively testing limits rather than just moving across them

crossing borders

Often used for literal geographical transitions or political contexts

overstepping boundaries

Carries a negative connotation of violating social or personal rules

breaking barriers

Focuses on overcoming obstacles or restrictive social divisions

traversing limits

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe moving through constraints

bridging divides

Emphasizes the connection made between two separate entities

venturing beyond

Suggests a sense of exploration and unknown territory

defying conventions

Specifically targets the rejection of traditional standards

transgressing limits

A more formal and often academic way to describe crossing a set rule

blurring lines

Suggests that the distinctions between two things are becoming less clear

FAQs

How do I use "crossing boundaries" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe innovation or transition, for example: "Her research is known for "crossing boundaries" between biology and technology".

What is the difference between "crossing boundaries" and "pushing boundaries"?

While "pushing boundaries" implies actively trying to extend or challenge limits, "crossing boundaries" simply means moving from one area or state into another.

Can "crossing boundaries" be used negatively?

Yes, in professional or personal contexts, it often refers to inappropriate behavior. You might say someone is "overstepping boundaries" if they violate social norms or privacy.

Is it better to say "crossing borders" or "crossing boundaries"?

Use "crossing borders" for physical, geographical, or national transitions. Use "crossing boundaries" for abstract concepts like academic disciplines, social classes, or artistic genres.