crossing the border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossing the border" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to crossing a physical boundary, like an international border between two countries, but it can also be used more metaphorically. For example: "The party was crossing the border between adulthood and childhood as they entered their teenage years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was it crossing the border?

The Guardian

I don't remember crossing the border.

The New York Times - Magazine

They had been detained crossing the border.

The Guardian

Cutter boats must avoid crossing the border.

The New York Times - Science

Crossing the border of consciousness into, into what?

The New Yorker

That means checking every single vehicle crossing the border.

The Economist

Nothing would deter him from crossing the border again.

The New York Times

Dozens more are crossing the border with Turkey every day.

The Economist

Crossing the border, he repeated the same form several times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was no Czech officer crossing the border that night.

The New Yorker

"And for all those who have suffered crossing the border".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the phrase metaphorically to describe a shift between states of mind, age groups or conceptual categories.

Common error

Avoid using the simple verb form 'cross' when a gerund or continuous action is required. For example, use 'He was detained while crossing the border' rather than 'He was detained while cross the border'. The gerund form describes the ongoing process where many complications usually occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossing the border" typically functions as a gerund phrase or a participial phrase. In many Ludwig examples, it serves as the object of a preposition (e.g., "detained while...") or the subject of a sentence describing a hazardous or administrative process. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility in both active and passive constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "crossing the border" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase used predominantly in journalistic and academic writing. According to Ludwig AI and the analyzed data, it most frequently describes the physical act of moving between countries, often carrying legal or humanitarian connotations. While its primary use is literal, its metaphorical applications in literature and social science are also well-documented. Writers should use it to describe the process of transition, ensuring they provide specific context regarding the legality or safety of the act to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traversing the border

A more sophisticated verb choice for the same action

moving across the border

A simpler and more descriptive action-oriented alternative

traversing the frontier

Uses more formal and slightly archaic terminology

passing the boundary

Focuses on the generic act of moving past a limit

entering the country

Shifts the focus from the act of crossing to the result of arrival

slipping through the border

Suggests a clandestine or unauthorized movement

navigating the checkpoint

Focuses on the procedural and administrative aspect of the transition

breaching the perimeter

Emphasizes a violation of security or a specific enclosure

transgressing the limit

Usually applied in a metaphorical or legalistic context

crossing the line

Mostly used for metaphorical behavioral boundaries

FAQs

How to use "crossing the border" in a sentence?

You can use it as a subject or an object to describe movement, for example: ""crossing the border" can be a complex process involving multiple documents" or "The refugees were caught "entering the territory" while "crossing the border" at night."

What can I say instead of "crossing the border"?

Depending on your context, you might use "traversing the frontier", "passing the boundary" or "entering the country".

Is "crossing the border" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a standard English phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist to describe physical and legal transitions.

What is the difference between "crossing the border" and "entering the country"?

While often used interchangeably, "crossing the border" emphasizes the physical act of passing the line, whereas "entering the country" focuses on the legal arrival and status within the new territory.