on the border

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the border" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical location or a figurative boundary. For example, "Our country is on the border of two other nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exactly on the border.

Yale University

The fighting on the border was intense.

The New York Times

Troops are massing on the border.

The Economist

"I live on the border.

The New York Times

On the border, violence foretold.

The New York Times

They were on the border looking in.

Yale University

Our troops are massing on the border.

University of California, Berkeley

"I'm on the border," he said.

The New York Times

Others take their chances on the border.

The New York Times

The solar panels on the border wall.

The Washington Post

No separate entity on the border.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "on the border" to signify a state that exists between two distinct conditions or classifications. For example: "The research exists on the border between science and philosophy."

Common error

Avoid using "on the border" solely for physical locations; recognize its applicability to conceptual boundaries. Don't limit the phrase to geographical contexts if the intended meaning relates to ambiguous or transitional states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the border" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or state. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as exemplified by numerous instances in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the border" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a location at a boundary or a state between two conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse fields. While grammatically straightforward, nuances arise in its figurative application. To effectively use the phrase, understand its capacity to represent both physical and conceptual boundaries, while steering clear of applying it strictly to literal geographical contexts. Common contexts include News & Media and Academia. By mastering these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "on the border" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the edge

Indicates a position at the very margin or extremity, similar to being on a border.

along the boundary

Emphasizes the linear aspect of a border, focusing on its role as a dividing line.

at the periphery

Suggests a location on the outer limits or fringes of an area or concept.

close to the limit

Highlights nearness to a maximum or extreme, whether in a physical or abstract sense.

verging on

Implies approaching a particular state or condition, suggesting transition or imminent change.

adjacent to the line

Stresses immediate proximity to a defined boundary, emphasizing closeness.

in proximity to the frontier

Frontier suggests unexplored territory, so in proximity to the frontier indicates close proximity to that unknown region.

abutting the edge

Abutting suggests physical contact, indicating direct adjacency to the border or edge.

in the border region

Focuses on the geographical area around the border rather than precisely on it.

marginally located

Highlights location at the margin, but without necessarily indicating a border.

FAQs

How can I use "on the border" in a sentence?

You can use "on the border" to describe a location physically situated at a border or to describe something that exists between two states or concepts. For example, "The town is located on the border between France and Spain" or "His argument lies on the border of ethical and legal considerations".

What are some alternatives to "on the border"?

Alternatives include "at the edge", "along the boundary", or "at the periphery", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in the border" instead of "on the border"?

While "in the border region" is acceptable to describe the area near a border, "on the border" is typically used to indicate a location precisely at the dividing line. Saying simply "in the border" is not grammatically correct.

How does the meaning of "on the border" change in different contexts?

The meaning of "on the border" shifts from literal geographical location to a figurative representation of being between two distinct states or conditions. For instance, it can describe a transitional phase or something that doesn't neatly fit into a defined category. This differs from phrases like "at the center" or "far away from".