outside the fence

USAGE SUMMARY

"outside the fence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: "The children were playing tag outside the fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

On the right the distribution of reported locations can be seen of a point right outside, the fence is clearly visible and the mechanism reports right around it.

Journal of Big Data

These species was chosen because they were abundant inside the fenced area and absent or rare outside the fence (see methods below).

BMC Ecology

Any day I am outside the fence.

The New York Times

Instead, we stood outside the fence.

The New Yorker

People everywhere outside the fence at Leppings Lane end.

Independent

"No one goes outside the fence after dark.

The Guardian - Travel

Two drums were found outside the fence line.

The Guardian

There were ten Americans in the American escorts or Watchers building outside the fence.

The New Yorker

Outside the fence, there were a few prostitutes standing, and signs announcing businesses.

The New Yorker

The police found him outside the fence of an automobile repair garage called Flash Services.

The New York Times

He draws a fence around his feet and declares "I'm outside the fence".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "outside the fence". It can imply exclusion, freedom, or even danger, depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "outside the fence" without establishing what the fence symbolizes. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the fence" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying a location or condition. It indicates being located beyond a defined boundary, whether literal or figurative. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outside the fence" is a versatile phrase primarily used to denote a location beyond a specified boundary, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its connotations can range from exclusion to independence. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the 'fence's' meaning is crucial to avoid ambiguity. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication when using "outside the fence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the barrier

Emphasizes the idea of surpassing an obstacle or boundary.

outside the perimeter

Focuses on the outer boundary of a secured area.

beyond the enclosure

Highlights the act of exceeding the limits of an enclosed area.

past the boundary line

Specifically refers to crossing a marked or understood border.

out of bounds

Implies being in an area where one is not allowed or expected to be.

external to the boundary

A more formal way of stating that something is located outside of a defined limit.

beyond the confines

Stresses the idea of escaping or exceeding the limits of a restricted space.

off the reservation

Indicates being in an unauthorized or unexpected location.

beyond the pale

Suggests crossing a line of acceptable behavior or standards.

clear of the demarcation

Emphasizes the act of being completely free from a marked boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "outside the fence" in a sentence?

You can use "outside the fence" to describe a physical location, as in "The car was parked outside the fence". It can also describe a metaphorical boundary, as in "He was operating outside the fence of normal business practices".

What are some alternatives to saying "outside the fence"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "beyond the barrier", "outside the perimeter", or "beyond the enclosure".

Is "outside of the fence" grammatically correct, or should I say "outside the fence"?

"Outside the fence" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. "Outside of the fence" is also understandable, but less concise.

What does it mean to think "outside the fence"?

While not the most common usage, thinking "outside the fence" suggests innovating or brainstorming in a way that ignores conventional norms, similar to thinking "outside the box".