pushing borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing borders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to when someone or something is pushing the limits of something, often in a positive way (but it can also be used in a negative way). For example, "The new technology is pushing the borders of what is possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I believe in pushing borders and finding new territory and expanding.

The New York Times - Arts

First, BRCA1 associated breast cancers are known to have pushing borders.

BMC Cancer

Basal-like tumours are usually high-grade, exhibit comedeonecrosis, pushing borders and an inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrate.

BMC Cancer

The tumour contained areas of hemorrhagic infiltration or cystic degeneration and had mainly pushing borders.

BMC Gastroenterology

In our study, 91.8% (59/73) of tumors were unicentric, well-defined nodules with pushing borders, ranging from 1.0 6.5 cm (mean, 2.49 cm).

BMC Cancer

This was in contrast to low-risk WPOI, which comprised tumors with pushing borders, finger-like growth, or large cohesive invasion.

Head and Neck

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

VMC-associated iCCs were smaller in size and well to moderately differentiated, with features of anastomosing glandular architecture, ductal carcinoma in situ like growth pattern, peritumoral lymphocytic infiltrate, central fibrous scar, and complete pushing border.

Human Pathology

KAs generally showed positive CCHCR1 staining especially in KCs of the pushing border in areas with a prominent lymphocyte infiltrate surrounding the tumor (Figure 5A,C).

Plosone

As CCHCR1 is expressed in certain cancers and regulates keratinocyte (KC) proliferation in a transgenic mouse model, we studied its relation to proliferation in cutaneous squamous cell cancer (SCC) cell lines by expression arrays and quantitative RT-PCR and in skin tumors by immunohistochemistry. CCHCR1 protein was detected in the pushing border of SCC and lining basal cell carcinoma islands.

Plosone

In addition, even though non statistically significant, patients having tumours with a pushing border, or showing a tumour inflammatory response, were associated with better survival.

BMC Gastroenterology

Briefly, the tumors were well circumscribed or demonstrated coarse lobulation, with a pushing border sometimes associated with a pseudocapsule (Figs. 2A, B).

American Journal of Surgical Pathology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pushing borders", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning of exceeding limitations or expanding boundaries. It can refer to physical borders, metaphorical limits, or conceptual boundaries.

Common error

Avoid using "pushing borders" when referring to simply maintaining existing boundaries or working within established limits. This phrase implies exceeding or challenging those limits, not adhering to them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing borders" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It describes the act of extending or challenging established limits. Examples provided by Ludwig indicate usage across diverse fields like science, politics and art.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pushing borders" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of exceeding existing limits or expanding boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable and correct in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans various domains, particularly science and news, as observed in Ludwig. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of challenging or surpassing limitations, and consider the context to maintain appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expanding boundaries

Highlights the act of making borders larger or more extensive.

extending limits

Focuses on increasing the scope or range of something.

redefining boundaries

Focuses on changing the definition or understanding of limits.

exceeding limitations

Focuses on surpassing existing limits or boundaries.

breaking barriers

Highlights the act of overcoming obstacles or impediments.

challenging conventions

Emphasizes questioning and defying established norms.

transcending limitations

Suggests moving beyond or above existing restrictions.

defying norms

Emphasizes resistance to established standards.

surpassing expectations

Emphasizes exceeding anticipated outcomes or levels.

innovating beyond limits

Combines innovation with the concept of exceeding restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "pushing borders" in a sentence?

You can use "pushing borders" to describe expanding limits or challenging norms. For example, "The company is constantly pushing borders with its innovative products."

What can I say instead of "pushing borders"?

You can use alternatives like "expanding boundaries", "exceeding limitations", or "challenging conventions" depending on the context.

Is "pushing borders" formal or informal?

"Pushing borders" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news, media, and scientific writing. Consider your audience and the specific tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "pushing borders" and "pushing boundaries"?

While similar, "pushing borders" often implies physical or geographical limits, or the edges of something like knowledge or territory. "Pushing boundaries" is generally a more metaphorical way to refer to challenging or going beyond accepted limits.