draw borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw borders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to defining boundaries, whether in a literal sense (like drawing on a map) or metaphorically (like establishing limits in a discussion). Example: "In the meeting, we need to draw borders around the project's scope to avoid any confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The result of recent Belgian elections raises the question: should language draw borders?

The New Yorker

Leading location-based mobile advertising tech companies are allowing advertisers to draw borders around specific buildings and then match that back to signals from mobile devices.

The Guardian

To avoid that, some members of Likud argue that Israel must draw borders in a way to part with as many Arabs -- but as little land -- as possible.

The New York Times

But to produce such an outcome by consent would require Iraq's mistrustful politicians to make heroic decisions on where to draw borders and how to share the oil.Mr Lugar's assessment of what Iraqis want may anyway be wrong.

The Economist

Threshold maps derived from ICMS provide a convenient way to draw borders of representations and avoid complexities associated with representing a wide array of possible movements.

European Journal of Neuroscience

You can also alternate cardstock with decorative paper or use white gel pens to draw borders onto the photo mat.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Draw Border: Click the Draw Border icon and select the Draw Border option in the drop-down list.

WikiHow

Draw Border Grid: Click the Draw Border icon and select the Draw Border Gird option in the drop-down list.

WikiHow

Erase Border: Click the Draw Border icon and select the Erase Border option.

WikiHow

The mouse will then change into a pen shape which allows you to draw border grid lines for the selected cell area.

WikiHow

All over the school district, kids were drawing borders and devising flags.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw borders" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates that you are not referring to a literal act of drawing.

Common error

Avoid using "draw borders" when a simpler term like "define" or "establish" would suffice, as it can sometimes sound overly dramatic or complex for straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw borders" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "draw" is the verb and "borders" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing examples in various contexts where boundaries are being defined, both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draw borders" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to express the act of defining or establishing boundaries, whether literally or figuratively. According to Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts. While not overly formal, it's suitable for a variety of writing situations. Consider alternatives like "define boundaries" or "establish limits" for simpler or more direct communication. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a sense of delineation and scope, making it a valuable tool in both concrete and abstract discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define boundaries

Focuses on the act of defining rather than the physical or metaphorical drawing.

establish boundaries

Similar to 'define boundaries' but focuses on the establishment.

establish limits

Emphasizes setting restrictions or constraints.

demarcate territories

Specifically relates to marking out areas or regions.

set parameters

Highlights the establishment of specific conditions or guidelines.

carve out territories

Suggests a more forceful or deliberate act of creating boundaries.

delineate scope

Refers to outlining the extent or range of something.

outline perimeters

Focuses on defining the outer edges or boundaries.

mark boundaries

Stresses the act of indicating the limits.

fix limits

Implies setting unchangeable restrictions.

FAQs

What does "draw borders" mean?

"Draw borders" can literally mean to create boundaries on a map or diagram. Figuratively, it means to define limits or boundaries in a more abstract sense, such as in discussions or projects.

How can I use "draw borders" in a sentence?

You might say, "The recent elections raised the question of whether language should "draw borders"." Or, "We need to "define boundaries" for this project to keep it manageable".

What are some alternatives to "draw borders"?

Alternatives include "define boundaries", "establish limits", or "demarcate territories" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "draw borders" in formal writing?

Yes, but consider your audience. While grammatically correct, "draw borders" can sometimes be replaced with more straightforward terms like "define" or "establish" for clarity in formal contexts.