push the borders

USAGE SUMMARY

'push the borders' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to pushing the boundaries, limitations, or limits of something. For example: "Our company is constantly trying to push the borders of innovation in order to stay ahead of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, Ankara has drawn criticism for its own inaction against the IS fighters now attempting to push the borders of its Islamic caliphate right onto Turkey's — and Europe's — doorstep.

Vice

In our study we show that insect galls create a distinct headspace which is different from the surrounding plant tissues and hence push the borders of their extended phenotype.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

"With this partnership, we combine our strengths to further push the borders of what's possible in imaging technology".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Bouchard said Brexit would provide a good opportunity to pull out of the agreement and push the border and migrants back to Kent.

The Guardian

The French foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, dismissed outright calls from politicians on the French right for a post-Brexit renegotiation of the Le Touquet accord that could push the border back to the Kent coast.

The Guardian

Government officials have reportedly said Britain could threaten to review security cooperation with France if it tries to tear up Le Touquet and push the border from Calais into Kent.

The Guardian

Indeed, if Turkey ever does join the E.U. – and while its prospects look dim today, who knows what a decade or two will bring – it will push the border of Europe further east than anyone but a few daydreaming geographers had ever imagined: from the volcanic shores of Iceland to the mountainous frontier that divides Turkey from Iran.

The New York Times

The question now is how far the GOP will push the border myth to get its way on immigration reform.

Huffington Post

Use your hand to lift and push the border over and onto the filling.

WikiHow

Owain once more regained the castles of Basingwerk and Rhuddlan and pushed the borders of Gwynedd to the estuary of the River Dee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Years ago, Italians claimed the southern portion for Bensonhurst, while Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish families have pushed the borders of Borough Park to include the northern section.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push the borders", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to literal geographic boundaries or abstract limits such as knowledge or innovation.

Common error

Avoid using "push the borders" when a gentler term like "expand" or "extend" is more appropriate. The phrase carries a connotation of force or deliberate intent to challenge existing norms, which might not always be the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the borders" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action of extending or challenging established boundaries or limits, both in literal and figurative senses. Ludwig indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "push the borders" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of expanding or challenging established boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate to use when referring to pushing the limits or extending the scope of something. While its frequency is rare, it appears in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. When using this phrase, consider whether the connotation of force or deliberate challenge aligns with your intended message. Alternatives like "expand the boundaries" or "extend the limits" might be more suitable in some cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand the boundaries

Focuses on widening the limits or scope of something, similar to pushing borders but with a less aggressive connotation.

extend the limits

Implies making the existing limits longer or further, akin to pushing the borders outward.

challenge the limits

Emphasizes testing and defying existing limitations, similar to pushing borders in an abstract sense.

stretch the boundaries

Suggests expanding the limits to their maximum capacity, comparable to pushing borders to a breaking point.

broaden the scope

Highlights increasing the range or extent of something, similar to expanding borders in a conceptual manner.

transcend limitations

Focuses on surpassing or overcoming limits, related to pushing borders by exceeding existing constraints.

redefine the boundaries

Implies changing the definition or understanding of the limits, similar to pushing borders by altering their nature.

advance the frontier

Suggests moving the edge of knowledge or capability forward, akin to pushing borders in an exploratory context.

exceed expectations

Highlights going beyond what is anticipated or predicted, related to pushing borders by surpassing conventional limits.

break new ground

Emphasizes innovating or pioneering in a new area, similar to pushing borders by venturing into uncharted territory.

FAQs

How can I use "push the borders" in a sentence?

You can use "push the borders" to describe efforts to expand limits, such as "The company aims to "push the borders" of technology with its new research".

What's a more formal alternative to "push the borders"?

A more formal alternative could be "expand the limits" or "extend the boundaries", which convey a similar meaning but with a less forceful tone.

Is it correct to say "push the border" instead of "push the borders"?

While "push the border" might be grammatically correct in specific contexts, "push the borders" is generally used when referring to the expansion of multiple or abstract boundaries.

How does "push the borders" differ from "test the limits"?

While both involve challenging boundaries, "test the limits" implies assessing what is possible, whereas ""push the borders"" suggests actively trying to expand those limits.