draw the border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw the border" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating or defining a boundary, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "In the map-making process, the cartographer must carefully draw the border between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But various other differences, especially over where to draw the border between the two countries, still dog relations.

The Economist

The dividing line was named the Green Line because a United Nations officer used a green pen to draw the border on a map.

The New York Times - Travel

In other words, Mr. Sharon, if he does go ahead with unilateral steps, will essentially draw the border between Israel and Palestinian territory in a way that favors Israel and does not lead to a Palestinian state.

The New York Times

With the clock ticking toward July 9 and so many unresolved issues on the table — how exactly to split the oil; where to draw the border; how to share Sudan's $38 billion debt — the north may have seized Abyei to strengthen its hand in the final round of negotiations before Africa's largest country breaks into two.

The New York Times

Not all the wiles of Mr Clinton nor all the weight of a superpower were able to close the gap on the wicked issues: how to share Jerusalem, where to draw the border and the fate of the Palestinian refugees of 1948.

The Economist

Unfortunately, these potential tensions mean nothing to the sorts of people who thought the famously Irish city of Galway was in Britain when Channel 4 News asked them to draw the border on a map.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Just imagine trying to draw the borders".

The Guardian

Cyril Radcliffe, a British judge assigned to draw the borders of the two new states, was given barely forty days to remake the map of South Asia.

The New Yorker

If successful in this Sunday's parliamentary elections, it could redefine relations with the Iraqi central government, which are fraught with issues that include how to share oil wealth and where to draw the borders of the Kurdistan region.

The New York Times

13. (C) To be successful, continued Senator Kerry, we must begin by agreeing at the outset the amount of land each side (Israelis and Palestinians) will obtain in the end and use that understanding to draw the borders.

The Guardian

They'll draw the borders as they want and they'll confiscate our sovereignty," said Meshaal.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In abstract contexts, clarifying what you are drawing the border between will improve clarity and readability for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "draw the border" when a more nuanced term like "define", "distinguish", or "delineate" would better convey the intended meaning, especially in abstract or metaphorical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw the border" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of establishing or defining a boundary, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its application in geographical and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draw the border" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes the act of defining a boundary. As Ludwig AI points out, it's commonly found in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and wiki-based contexts. While it is deemed correct, be mindful of the specific context to ensure its appropriateness, and consider alternatives like "delineate the boundary" or "define the limits" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delineate the boundary

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey the same action of marking a border.

set the boundary

A more concise and direct way of expressing the act of defining a border.

define the limits

This phrase focuses on specifying the extent or range of something, similar to setting a border.

mark the division

This phrase emphasizes the act of creating a separation or distinction.

establish the demarcation line

This option uses a more technical term for border, emphasizing the act of setting a clear division.

specify the confines

This alternative highlights the act of clearly stating the limits or boundaries.

establish the frontier

This alternative evokes a sense of establishing a new or previously undefined boundary.

determine the extent

This emphasizes ascertaining the scope or reach, akin to defining a border's influence.

layout the perimeter

This option uses more spatial language to describe establishing boundaries.

carve out the territory

This conveys the act of creating a distinct space or region, as if by drawing a border.

FAQs

How can I use "draw the border" in a sentence?

You can use "draw the border" to describe the act of defining a boundary, either literally on a map or figuratively in a discussion. For example, "Negotiators struggled to draw the border between the two newly formed states."

What is a good alternative to "draw the border"?

Alternatives include "delineate the boundary", "define the limits", or "establish the demarcation line", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "draw the border" literally?

While "draw the border" can be used literally, consider whether a more precise term like "survey" or "map" might be more appropriate if you are referring to a formal surveying or cartographic process.

What is the difference between "draw the border" and "cross the border"?

"Draw the border" refers to the act of defining or creating a boundary, whereas "cross the border" refers to the act of moving from one side of an existing boundary to the other.