is bordered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is bordered by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the geographical location of a particular area, such as in the sentence: "Canada is bordered by the United States to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Badajoz is bordered by Portugal to the west.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The stage is bordered by a piano-key design.

The New York Times

HIGH This house is bordered by the Morel trail.

The New York Times - Travel

This house is bordered by the Morel trail.

The New York Times

(It is bordered by 1,850 miles of tidal shoreline).

The New York Times

The pond is bordered by boulders dug out of the soil.

The New Yorker

Slovenia is bordered by Austria to the north and Hungary to the far northeast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the west and east, the lake is bordered by forested cliffs and ravines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The beach is bordered by a street lined with restaurants and shops.

The New York Times

It is bordered by Lake Taneycomo, on the east, and sits above Table Rock Lake.

The New Yorker

Carrickfergus district is bordered by Newtownabbey district to the west and Larne district to the north.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical areas, use "is bordered by" to clearly indicate adjacent regions or features. For example, "France is bordered by Spain to the south".

Common error

Avoid using "is bordered by" to describe abstract concepts or non-physical entities. For example, it's incorrect to say "The argument is bordered by opinions"; instead, use a more appropriate phrase like "The argument is influenced by opinions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is bordered by" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the spatial relationship between two entities, where one entity forms the boundary of the other. Ludwig confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

29%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is bordered by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting spatial adjacency, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves primarily to describe the location of a place or object relative to its surroundings. The usage is prevalent across diverse domains such as Encyclopedias, News & Media, Science and Wiki, with neutral formality. To enhance writing clarity, avoid employing "is bordered by" with abstract subjects and instead reserve it for physical entities. Consider alternatives such as "is surrounded by" or "is bounded by" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is bounded by

This alternative uses "bounded" which suggests a clear limit or boundary. Slightly more formal than the original.

is surrounded by

This alternative implies that something is enclosed on all sides. More encompassing than the original.

is adjacent to

This alternative focuses on the immediate vicinity of something. Less about a boundary than the original.

is confined by

This alternative suggests a restrictive boundary. Stronger sense of limitation than the original.

is adjoined by

This alternative indicates a direct connection or attachment. Emphasizes physical contact rather than just a shared border.

is fringed with

This alternative suggests a decorative or ornamental border. Implies a visual element that the original doesn't.

is skirted by

This alternative suggests that something runs along the edge. Emphasizes the path or route of the border.

is outlined by

This alternative implies a clear visual demarcation. Focuses on the visibility of the border.

is defined by

This alternative means that the boundaries act as the defining limits. It is not only adjacent, but it also serves as an essential element of characterization.

is hemmed in by

This alternative suggests that the boundaries create a sense of enclosure. Implies a restrictive and close-fitting border.

FAQs

How can I use "is bordered by" in a sentence?

Use "is bordered by" to describe the physical boundaries of a place or object. For example, "The garden is bordered by a stone wall" or "Italy is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia".

What is a good alternative to "is bordered by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is surrounded by", "is adjacent to", or "is bounded by".

Is it correct to say "is bordered with" instead of "is bordered by"?

While "is bordered with" might sound similar, "is bordered by" is the more common and grammatically correct phrase to use when describing adjacent regions or features.

What's the difference between "is bordered by" and "is lined with"?

"Is bordered by" indicates a shared boundary, while "is lined with" suggests that something runs along the edge. For example, "The park is bordered by a street" (shared boundary) versus "The street is lined with trees" (trees along the edge).