hit a boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit a boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone reaches a limit or constraint, whether in a physical, emotional, or metaphorical sense. Example: "During the project, we hit a boundary that prevented us from moving forward without additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

After 39 balls Stokes had yet to hit a boundary.

The Guardian - Sport

Strauss, who still hasn't hit a boundary, misses a hoick from outside off stump.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was just blank, anywhere he bowls, I thought I could hit a boundary".

The New York Times - Sports

Neither side managed to hit a boundary in the Super Over, with Lasith Malinga's death-bowling skill decisive.

The Guardian - Sport

19th over: England 64-0 (Trescothick 31, Strauss 26) Strauss, who hasn't hit a boundary yet, has been nowhere near his best in this innings.

The Guardian - Sport

13th over: Pakistan 99-3 (Younis 7, Misbah 0) Pakistan haven't hit a boundary for 26 balls now, which is a helluva long time in Twenty20.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

What odds on two other batsmen hitting a boundary before Warner's first?

The Guardian - Sport

Smith c Tendulkar b Zaheer 16 (South Africa 41-1) Smithasas looked about as fluent as third-grade pupil's French here, but after hitting a boundary over mid off he tries to repeat the trick, only to loft Zaheer's slower ball straight to mid off.

The Guardian - Sport

Shapoor hits a boundary and we made it.

BBC

If the node hits a boundary, the direction is reversed.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Varun Chopra hit 76 and Ian Westwood 56 as they reached 201-4 at lunch, Laurie Evans hitting a boundary just before the interval to secure a batting point.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hit a boundary" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the parallel between the literal and figurative meanings. For instance, specify what type of limitation or restriction is being encountered.

Common error

Avoid using "hit a boundary" in contexts where the limitation is expected or easily overcome. The phrase implies a more significant or impactful constraint. A better alternative is to use a more general phrase like "reach a point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit a boundary" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of reaching a limit or constraint, either literally (in sports) or metaphorically (in various contexts). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hit a boundary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It can be employed literally in sports or metaphorically to denote reaching a limit or constraint. When opting for alternatives, consider options like "reach a limit" or "encounter a constraint". Remember to avoid overextending the metaphor in situations where the limitation is trivial, and always aim for clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a limit

Expresses the general concept of reaching a limit or restriction, similar to "hit a boundary" in a broader context.

encounter a constraint

Focuses on the restriction or limitation encountered, rather than the action of hitting it.

face an obstacle

Highlights the challenge or difficulty presented by the limit.

meet an impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the limit or barrier.

bump into a restriction

Suggests a more casual or unexpected encounter with the limit.

come up against a barrier

Presents the limit as a significant obstacle.

run into an obstacle

Similar to 'face an obstacle' but with a sense of unexpectedness.

be confronted with a limitation

Highlights the experience of being faced with a constraint.

brush against a restriction

Indicates a slight or glancing encounter with the limitation.

graze a limit

Suggests a very slight and indirect interaction with the limit.

FAQs

How can I use "hit a boundary" in a sentence?

The phrase "hit a boundary" can be used both literally in sports contexts (especially cricket) and metaphorically to describe reaching a limit or restriction. For example, "The project hit a boundary when funding was cut."

What can I say instead of "hit a boundary"?

You can use alternatives like "reach a limit", "encounter a constraint", or "face an obstacle" depending on the context.

Is "hit a boundary" formal or informal?

The phrase "hit a boundary" leans towards a neutral to informal register, especially when used metaphorically. In formal writing, consider using more precise and technical language like "reach a threshold" or "encounter a limitation".

What's the difference between "hit a boundary" and "reach a limit"?

"Hit a boundary" often implies a sudden or forceful stop, while "reach a limit" suggests a more gradual progression to a stopping point. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the impact or the process of reaching the limit.