it borders on

USAGE SUMMARY

'it borders on' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when describing a situation or state of affairs that is close to, but not quite, a certain other situation or state of affairs. For example: "It borders on ridiculous how often she changes her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gerry O., Clayton P.

Huffington Post

For many customers, a mere spoonful of their one and only product inspires devotion so fierce, it borders on fanatical.

The New York Times - Food

It borders on kitsch.

The New York Times - Arts

It borders on adorable.

The Guardian - Sport

It borders on evil".

The New York Times

It borders on hoarding.

The Guardian - Travel

"It borders on silliness".

The New York Times

"It borders on paranoia," she said.

The New York Times

Intellectually and culturally, it borders on incoherence.

The New York Times - Food

"It borders on a definition of rape.

The New York Times

"It borders on unethical business behavior".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it borders on" to express that something is close to being a certain way, often implying a negative or undesirable quality. Be mindful of the nuance; it suggests something stops just short of fully becoming that state.

Common error

Avoid using "it borders on" when you mean something fully embodies a characteristic. The phrase is meant to indicate something is approaching a state, not already in it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it borders on" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something is approaching a particular state or characteristic. Based on Ludwig AI's analysis, this phrase accurately conveys that something is close to becoming a certain way without fully reaching that point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it borders on" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is close to, but not quite, a particular state or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media. It's important to use this phrase when you intend to convey proximity rather than full embodiment of a characteristic. Alternatives include "it verges on" or "it approaches", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to communicate. Be mindful of overusing the phrase, and ensure that its use accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it verges on

Emphasizes a slight inclination towards a particular state or quality, often implying a negative consequence.

it approaches

Suggests a movement closer to a certain condition or characteristic, without necessarily reaching it completely.

it nears

Similar to "it approaches", but might imply a closer proximity or a more imminent transition.

it comes close to

Highlights the near attainment of a specific quality or condition, often implying a narrow miss.

it almost is

Directly states the high likelihood of something being a certain way, without fully committing to the assertion.

it's akin to

Draws a comparison indicating a similarity or resemblance to another thing.

it resembles

Highlights the comparable attributes.

it smacks of

It gives the impression of something unpleasant or undesirable.

it hints at

Suggests a subtle indication of something, often implying a deeper meaning or hidden aspect.

it suggests

Similar to "it hints at", but may indicate a more explicit or conscious implication.

FAQs

What does "it borders on" mean?

The phrase "it borders on" suggests that something is close to being a particular thing, often something negative, without actually being it. It indicates a state of proximity or resemblance.

When is it appropriate to use "it borders on" in writing?

Use "it borders on" when you want to convey that something almost reaches a certain state, quality, or characteristic. For example, "His behavior "it borders on rude"" suggests the behavior is nearly rude but not quite.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "it borders on"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it verges on", "it approaches", or "it comes close to" to express a similar meaning depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it borders on" formal or informal?

The phrase "it borders on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.