outside the perimeter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside the perimeter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to security, boundaries, or geographical areas, indicating something that is beyond a defined limit or boundary. Example: "The security team is monitoring all activities outside the perimeter to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many gays here joke darkly about not driving outside "the perimeter" — the circle of freeways separating more liberal Atlanta from the deeply conservative suburbs, where the message of homosexuality as sinful lifestyle is regularly delivered from hundreds of pulpits.

The New York Times

MARV ALBERT: Stuck outside the perimeter!

The New Yorker

Outside the perimeter, the insurgents still fired.

The New York Times

"What can you do outside the perimeter?

The Washington Post

But outside the perimeter walls, the place remains unmistakably India.

The Economist

"A lot of them were from outside the perimeter.

The New York Times - Sports

Many people left flowers outside the perimeter and went home.

The Guardian

Bunnies came to chomp contentedly outside the perimeter.

The New York Times

A cemetery was found outside the perimeter of the wall, west of the site.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The number of services to destinations outside the perimeter will increase by two-thirds.

The Economist

Outside the perimeter, some forty thousand counter-protesters, by the police commissioner's estimate, had gathered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documents, ensure the "perimeter" is clearly defined when using this phrase. This prevents ambiguity regarding the area being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "outside the perimeter" when referring to abstract concepts if a more fitting phrase like "beyond the scope" or "outside the bounds" is available. Overusing spatial language in non-spatial contexts can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the perimeter" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a location or area beyond a specified boundary, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from news articles and scientific papers. This reflects its role in defining spatial relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outside the perimeter" is a common prepositional phrase used to denote a location or state beyond a defined boundary, which can be physical or conceptual. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the boundary is clearly defined and avoid overuse in abstract contexts where alternative expressions may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the boundary

This alternative uses a more general term, "boundary", instead of "perimeter", which may be suitable in contexts where the specific shape of the limit is not important.

outside the limits

Employs the word "limits", which can apply to both physical and abstract constraints, offering a broader interpretation.

outside the confines of

Adds "of" to specify the entity whose limits are being discussed, providing more context.

outside the bounds

Replaces "perimeter" with "bounds", suggesting a more abstract or conceptual limit rather than a physical one.

external to the boundary

A more formal and descriptive alternative, suitable for technical or academic contexts.

beyond the confines

Uses "confines" to indicate being outside of limitations, suggesting restrictions or limitations rather than spatial boundaries.

beyond the enclosure

Replaces "perimeter" with "enclosure", which implies a protected or contained area.

past the demarcation line

Uses a more precise and technical term, "demarcation line", suggesting a clearly defined boundary.

beyond the security cordon

Emphasizes the security aspect, referring to a protected area or zone.

beyond the pale

An idiomatic expression indicating something is unacceptable or inappropriate, extending beyond the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "outside the perimeter" to describe a location beyond a defined boundary, as in "The suspect was apprehended "outside the perimeter" of the restricted area".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "beyond the boundary", "outside the limits", or "beyond the confines".

Is it correct to use "outside of the perimeter" instead of "outside the perimeter"?

While "outside of the perimeter" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""outside the perimeter"" is more concise and commonly used. The "of" is often unnecessary.

When is it appropriate to use "beyond the scope" instead of "outside the perimeter"?

"beyond the scope" is suitable for abstract contexts, like discussions or investigations, whereas ""outside the perimeter"" is better suited for physical locations and defined areas. If a topic is not relevant to the discussion, you can use "beyond the scope".