push the frontiers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "push the frontiers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of advancing knowledge, technology, or boundaries in a particular field or area. Example: "The research team aims to push the frontiers of renewable energy technology to create more efficient solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It allows us to push the frontiers of collaboration without compromising the core activities of the main campus".

The New York Times

If you're an undergraduate, you're not necessarily taking classes with people who are working to push the frontiers of knowledge".

The Guardian

Our fight goes on to protect the environment, to achieve equality, to push the frontiers of science and discovery and to restore America's reputation in the world.

The New York Times

The band took a rootsy approach to its first two albums, and it's latest, a self-titled record, adds some electronic effects that push the frontiers of heartfelt indie rock.

The New Yorker

But the Stanford Mobile Phone Orchestra, with its avant-garde compositions and electronic renditions of popular songs like Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," is trying to push the frontiers of the four-decade-old field of computer music.

The New York Times - Tech

"The I.T.R. is intended to push the frontiers of computer science and engineering while at the same time helping to push the envelope in other disciplines," said Peter A. Freeman, head of the agency's computer and information science and engineering directorate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

From 1906, as commandant at Oran, he continued with persistence to push the frontier westward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The improved vehicle would push the frontier considerably deeper, to 4 miles, opening 99percentt of the ocean floor to exploration.

The New York Times

For better or for worse, there is no talk, for example, of using the hand of government to push the frontier of conventional urban planning, or to distinguish downtown with a pioneering if unconventional work of architecture.

The New York Times

Startups like BloomReach are willing to push the frontier of tracking if it gets people buying on mobile.

TechCrunch

Our job is to push the frontier of what is already known, so we need to be aware of where this frontier is.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push the frontiers" when you want to emphasize the act of going beyond current knowledge or capabilities in a specific field. For example, "This research aims to "push the frontiers" of medical science."

Common error

While "push the frontiers" is generally correct, avoid using it in very informal or casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "go beyond" or "try something new" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the frontiers" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "push" acts as the verb and "the frontiers" as the direct object. It signifies an action aimed at exceeding existing limits, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "push the frontiers" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of advancing beyond current limits, particularly in fields like science and technology. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, you might consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine, emphasizing its credibility and widespread acceptance. Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight efforts to surpass existing boundaries and explore new possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance the boundaries

Focuses on moving the limits forward, emphasizing progress.

expand the limits

Highlights increasing the scope or range, with a sense of widening possibilities.

extend the scope

Implies broadening the area or subject under consideration or activity.

break new ground

Suggests initiating something entirely new, innovating beyond current practices.

pioneer new paths

Emphasizes leading the way in unexplored or innovative directions.

explore uncharted territory

Focuses on investigating areas that have not been previously examined.

push the envelope

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal, indicating exceeding current limits.

break the mold

Suggests departing from conventional patterns and creating something different.

challenge the status quo

Implies questioning and changing established norms or practices.

transcend limitations

Highlights overcoming existing restrictions and reaching beyond them.

FAQs

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

The phrase "push the frontiers" is often used to describe efforts to advance the boundaries of knowledge, technology, or achievement in a particular field. For example: "The company's R&D department is dedicated to "pushing the frontiers" of artificial intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "push the frontiers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "advance the boundaries", "expand the limits", or "break new ground".

Is "push the frontier" grammatically correct?

While "push the frontier" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts (e.g., referring to a literal border), "push the frontiers" is more commonly used when discussing abstract boundaries of knowledge or achievement.

What does it mean to "push the frontiers" in science?

In science, to "push the frontiers" means to conduct research and development that extends the current limits of scientific understanding, leading to new discoveries and innovations.