past the frontier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past the frontier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or situation that is beyond a certain boundary or limit, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The explorers ventured past the frontier, discovering new lands and cultures previously unknown to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's past the frontier of what the security laws are intending".

The New York Times - Magazine

But that they would be, simply 500 yards past the frontier, that was a bit much.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They hold out the promise of something different, something that connects the jaded traveler to either a personal or a collective American past — the past of the frontier, of "On the Road," of backyard tree forts.

The New York Times - Travel

He may even grow his hair and his beard, play the guitar, and banish even the faintest whiff of his macho past far beyond the frontiers of consciousness.

Huffington Post

Here glass- sheathed office buildings tower over streets of antique red brick in a setting that offers the visitor gateways to the frontier past.

The New York Times - Travel

But Mr. Schleifer, a 61-year-old bachelor body builder and philologist who compiles dictionaries and writes esoteric articles about lexicography, has carried an obsession with the frontier past to new lengths.

The New York Times

He regularly takes real and imaginary characters from the frontier past (Calamity Jane, for instance, or Billy the Kid, not to mention Woodrow F. Call and Augustus McCrae) and, after shriving them entirely of hype, makes them as real as the day before yesterday.

The New York Times - Books

He says: "It seems a strange and hypocritical contradiction that some black and white politicians tell us we need to 'move on' and not dwell upon the frontier wars of the past whilst at the same time we are saturated with 'Lest We Forget' Gallipoli – a failed (allied, including Australian) invasion of another peoples' country.

The Guardian

But it seemed more a re-enactment, even an allegory, of the past: a frontier 40 years old, still manned, but shrunk, on this wet night, by a tougher, colder climate.

The New York Times - Arts

This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life.

Huffington Post

It starts at the frontier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "past the frontier" when you want to emphasize exceeding a known or established boundary, whether physical or metaphorical. It suggests venturing into unexplored or uncharted territory.

Common error

Avoid using "past the frontier" when simply describing something that is 'far away' or 'in the distance'. The phrase carries a connotation of crossing a significant boundary or limit, not just physical distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past the frontier" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating movement or existence beyond a specific boundary. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "past the frontier" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that signifies going beyond established boundaries. While its usage is rare, it effectively conveys the idea of exceeding limits or venturing into new territories. Ludwig AI indicates that "past the frontier" is acceptable and appropriate in written English. Its primary contexts include news and media and science, with a neutral register suitable for a broad audience. For alternative phrasing, consider using "beyond the boundary" or "over the threshold" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the boundary

Replaces "frontier" with a more general term for a limit.

over the threshold

Uses a metaphor of crossing a threshold to indicate exceeding a limit.

exceeding the limits

Focuses on the action of surpassing established boundaries.

outside the bounds

Similar to 'beyond the boundary' but conveys a stronger sense of transgression.

crossing the line

Idiomatic expression for surpassing acceptable limits.

transcending the border

Emphasizes the act of going beyond a defined border, often metaphorical.

pushing the envelope

Idiomatic expression for testing and exceeding existing limits or boundaries.

venturing beyond limits

Highlights the exploratory aspect of surpassing boundaries.

moving beyond confines

Focuses on escaping restrictions or limitations.

surpassing restrictions

Highlights the overcoming of established limitations.

FAQs

What does the phrase "past the frontier" mean?

The phrase "past the frontier" generally signifies exceeding a defined boundary or limit, often implying entry into new or unexplored territory.

How can I use "past the frontier" in a sentence?

You can use "past the frontier" to describe situations where boundaries are crossed, such as "The research ventured "beyond the boundary" of conventional wisdom."

What are some alternatives to saying "past the frontier"?

Alternatives include "beyond the boundary", "over the threshold", or "exceeding the limits", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "past the frontier" formal or informal language?

The phrase "past the frontier" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts, often appearing in news articles and analytical writing. The formality depends on the surrounding language and the specific context.