outer edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"outer edge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the outermost boundary of something, such as a circle or a shape. For example, "The runner was at the outer edge of the track, ready to start the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Technical knowledge stops at the outer edge.

The New York Times

The screwdriver was at the outer edge.

The New Yorker

"Butter around the outer edge, too," he urged.

The New Yorker

This will be the outer edge of the rug.

The Guardian

Never remove disc by prying its outer edge.

Columbia University

Root the outer edge of the feet on the ground.

Harvard University

Pussy Riot marks the outer edge of Russian culture.

The New York Times

It's on the outer edge of Cardiff Central and feels it gets overlooked.

The Guardian

"John Kerry is at the outer edge of people who change their positions.

The New York Times

The field flowed untroubled around the outer edge of the fence.

The Guardian - Sport

Connaughton suddenly found himself on the outer edge of the innermost circle in Democratic politics.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "outer edge" to clearly indicate the outermost boundary or rim. For abstract concepts, consider if a more nuanced term like "boundary" or "limit" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "outer edge" when describing abstract concepts if a more precise term exists. For example, instead of saying "He was on the outer edge of the debate", consider alternatives like "He held a fringe position" or "He was on the periphery of the debate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outer edge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to identify the boundary of an object or concept. Examples include "the outer edge of the rug" or "at the outer edge of the tennis universe".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

22%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outer edge" is a common noun phrase used to describe the outermost boundary or periphery of an object or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic contexts. While "outer edge" is suitable for describing physical boundaries, it's advisable to consider more nuanced alternatives when referring to abstract concepts. Remember to use it precisely to avoid ambiguity and to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

external border

Replaces "edge" with "border", emphasizing the boundary aspect.

exterior boundary

Uses "exterior" to highlight the external nature and "boundary" for a clear limit.

outside limit

Replaces "edge" with "limit", focusing on the furthest extent.

outer perimeter

Substitutes "edge" with "perimeter", specifically indicating the boundary of an area.

farthest margin

Emphasizes the distance and boundary with "farthest" and "margin".

extreme periphery

Uses "periphery" to denote the outer region and "extreme" to stress the distance.

bounding surface

Replaces the linear concept of "edge" with the surface concept of "bounding surface"

outermost limit

The term «outermost» stresses the distance to the edge even more

furthermost border

The term «furthermost» stresses the distance to the edge even more

outlying rim

Uses rim instead of the word edge.

FAQs

How can I use "outer edge" in a sentence?

You can use "outer edge" to describe the boundary of physical objects, such as "The ball rolled to the outer edge of the table". It can also describe a more abstract boundary, as in "The company operates on the "leading edge" of technology".

What are some alternatives to "outer edge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "external border", "outside limit", or "extreme periphery".

Is "outer edge" the same as "inner edge"?

No, "outer edge" refers to the furthest boundary, while "inner edge" refers to a boundary closer to the center. For example, the "outer edge" of a circle is the circumference, while the "inner edge" might be the boundary of a smaller circle within.

When is it appropriate to use "outer edge" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "outer edge" metaphorically when describing something that is at the limit of a field or area. For instance, "She's exploring the "cutting edge" of medical research".