establish a border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish a border" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the creation or definition of a boundary, whether physical, political, or metaphorical. Example: "The two countries agreed to establish a border to prevent further conflicts over territory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Israel and Palestine are certainly not good neighbors, and there is an urgent need, both in practice and in principle, to establish a border between them.

The New York Times

In the absence of an honest negotiating partner, Israel should unilaterally disengage from the Palestinians and establish a border within which a solid Jewish majority for generations would be secure.

The New York Times

The State Department spokesman, Richard A. Boucher, said Israel's precise intentions in building the new electronic security fence remained unclear, but added, "To the extent that it is an attempt to establish a border, we would have to say that really has to be done through direct talks".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Turkish Prime Minister discreetly established a border base camp for regime officers defecting to the F.S.A., and said that if Syrian forces approached the border they would be fired on.

The New Yorker

If, after five years, border officials have not reached the surveillance and enforcement goals, the bill establishes a border commission to advise the Department of Homeland Security on how to reach its goals, with additional financing of up to $2 billion.

The New York Times

A nearly half-century dispute between Ukraine and Romania over an energy-rich region of the Black Sea was settled Tuesday by the International Court of Justice, which established a border accepted by both sides.

The New York Times

"Mainly ending corporate collusion politics, bringing in domestic industry, establishing a border, which Bernie was in favor of.

Vice

According to a new report by an Independent Study Group being published by the Henry L. Stimson Center, it might be a good idea to shift the attention to establishing a border between Israel and a Palestinian State.

Huffington Post

A3 Opposition to Border Plan Palestinians say that they would oppose any attempt by Israel to establish a unilateral border between the Middle East antagonists.

The New York Times

From Yasir Arafat's fog-enshrouded compound here to the soggy streets of Gaza City, Palestinians said Friday that they would oppose any attempt by Israel to establish a unilateral border between the Middle East antagonists.

The New York Times

In their analysis of the West Bank, which includes a map locating all the settlements in the area, Mr. Segal and Mr. Weizman identify three types of "civilian occupation," starting with the agricultural settlements in the arid and underpopulated Jordan Valley that were designed, they write, to establish a "security border" with Jordan.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "establish a border", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical, political, or metaphorical boundary.

Common error

Avoid confusing "establish a border" with phrases related to removing or crossing borders. "Establish" means to create or set up, while terms like "eradicate borders" imply complete removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a border" functions as a verb phrase where "establish" is the main verb and "a border" is the direct object. It indicates the action of creating or formally recognizing a boundary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "establish a border" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies the action of creating or defining a boundary. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While the phrase is not extremely common, it is most frequently found in neutral contexts such as news and media. Alternative expressions include "delineate a boundary" or "define a frontier", but it's crucial to use "establish a border" when the creation or formal recognition of a border is emphasized. Avoid confusing it with terms that imply the removal of borders.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delineate a boundary

Focuses on the act of clearly marking a boundary, emphasizing precision.

define a frontier

Implies setting the limits of a territory, often in a political or geographical context.

create a demarcation line

Highlights the creation of a clear separation between two areas.

set up a border

A more informal way of saying "establish a border", suitable for less formal contexts.

form a boundary

Emphasizes the act of creating the boundary itself.

fix a border

Focuses on making the border permanent and unchangeable.

institute a frontier

Similar to 'define a frontier' but emphasizes the formal implementation of the border.

build a border

Emphasizes the physical construction of a border, often with barriers or fences.

legislate a border

Highlights the legal or official declaration of a border through legislation.

agree upon a boundary

Focuses on the negotiation and mutual acceptance of a border between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "establish a border" in a sentence?

You can use "establish a border" to describe the act of creating or defining a boundary, as in "The two countries agreed to "establish a border" to prevent future conflicts".

What's the difference between "establish a border" and "define a border"?

While both phrases are similar, ""establish a border"" implies the act of setting up a boundary, whereas "define a border" focuses on clarifying its existing location or nature.

What are some synonyms for "establish a border"?

Some synonyms include "delineate a boundary", "create a demarcation line", or "set up a border", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "establish a border"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say ""establish a border"". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English when discussing the creation of a boundary.