neighboring countries

USAGE SUMMARY

"neighboring countries" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to countries that are located near one another, usually sharing a border or close proximity. For example, "The two neighboring countries of Mexico and the United States have a long and complex history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A similar dynamic is playing itself out in neighboring countries.

The New York Times

"Vladimir Putin is violating the sovereignty of neighboring countries.

The Guardian

Twelve members recently visited Congo and neighboring countries in Africa.

The New York Times

Most foreigners were reportedly headed to neighboring countries.

The New York Times

It is also smuggled and sold to neighboring countries.

The New York Times

But problems in neighboring countries have also benefited LanChile.

The New York Times

Relying on neighboring countries for power also carries risks.

The New York Times

But it jibes with figures from neighboring countries, he notes.

Science Magazine

Improve the conditions for cooperation with neighboring countries   3.

European Transport Research Review

In the future, neighboring countries will almost certainly look to Israel to model their own programs.

TechCrunch

Others have fled to neighboring countries.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, specify which countries you are referring to by name to avoid ambiguity, for example, "Germany and its neighboring countries: France, Poland, and Czech Republic".

Common error

Avoid using "neighboring countries" without providing context or specific examples, as it can lead to confusion about which countries are being discussed. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neighboring countries" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "neighboring" acts as an adjective describing the type of countries being referred to. Ludwig examples show it being used to discuss political, economic, and social relationships between countries located near one another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "neighboring countries" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to countries that are geographically close, often sharing a border. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business. Its primary function is to identify and group nations for discussions on shared interests or concerns. While the phrase itself is neutral, being specific about which countries are being referenced is essential for clarity. Related phrases include "adjacent nations" and "bordering countries", which emphasize shared borders, while others like "nearby states" highlight proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjacent nations

Emphasizes the direct physical connection and shared borders.

bordering nations

Highlights the shared borders between the countries.

countries sharing a border

Explicitly refers to the shared boundary.

nearby states

Refers to countries that are in close geographical proximity but may not necessarily share a border.

surrounding nations

Suggests that one country is encircled by others.

adjoining countries

Focuses on the connection and close contact between countries.

countries in proximity

Highlights geographical closeness without specific border references.

regional countries

Implies a broader geographical area and common regional interests.

countries in the vicinity

Emphasizes the general area rather than direct borders.

countries in the area

Refers to the region a country occupies.

FAQs

What are some examples of how to use "neighboring countries" in a sentence?

You can use "neighboring countries" in sentences like, "The conflict spilled over into "neighboring countries", causing a refugee crisis" or "Trade agreements between the countries and their "neighboring countries" boosted economic growth".

What's the difference between "neighboring countries" and "bordering countries"?

"Bordering countries" specifically refers to nations that share a common border, while ""neighboring countries"" can also include those that are geographically close but don't necessarily share a border.

Are "adjacent countries" and "neighboring countries" interchangeable?

Yes, "adjacent countries" and ""neighboring countries"" are often used interchangeably to describe countries that are next to each other.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "neighboring countries"?

The phrase "neighboring countries" is suitable in discussions about international relations, economics, geography, and political science, especially when referring to the influence or impact one nation has on others close by.