put a border around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a border around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of creating a border or outline around an object, image, or text in design or formatting contexts. Example: "To enhance the visual appeal of the document, make sure to put a border around the images."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The two used red masking tape to put a border around a wall-length canvas, where a handful of women and their children were using markers to color in large flowers and lettering that spelled "What We're Thankful For".

The New York Times

Put a border around the whole of J11 K15.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I like that Reddit puts a border around links that a sponsor has paid for, that it puts "sponsored link" in bold, and that it includes a "what's this?" button to explain what "sponsored link" means, because we can be pretty certain that the public doesn't intuitively understand this jumbalaya of lingo.

Harvard Business Review

"Put a border," he said.

The New York Times

You can put a border on it.

WikiHow

Making it new doesn't, though, include illustrating your poems, unless you're William Blake or Stevie Smith, and putting a border like a frame around your sonnet isn't going to help either.

The Guardian - Books

Full-screen mode lops off the edges of your pictures; slide-show mode puts a border of your choice (a solid color or seasonal decorations, like hearts or snowflakes) around each picture.

The New York Times - Tech

Additional plants were set as a border around the experiments in order to avoid edge effects.

Annals of Botany

For, though 'interstate business must pay its way,' a State consistently with the commerce clause cannot put a barrier around its borders to bar out trade from other States and thus bring to naught the great constitutional purpose of the fathers in giving to Congress the power 'To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States * * *'.

Cornell University

As one who "crosses that border more often than probably most people do," he asks, "do we really want to put a wall around our country?" "We stand for freedom, and yet we want to put up a wall that makes the U.S. look like a prison?" he says.

Los Angeles Times

They put a blanket around me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put a border around" in design contexts, specify the type of border (e.g. solid, dashed, colored) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "put a border around" without specifying the border's properties. A vague border can detract from, rather than enhance, the visual appeal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a border around" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of creating a boundary around something. It is commonly used in instructional contexts, as seen in examples from WikiHow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a border around" is a verb phrase used to describe the action of creating a boundary or outline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and found across various contexts including Wiki, News & Media, and Science. While not overly common, it is a functional phrase with clear utility. For alternative phrasings, consider ""add a border to"" or "create a border around" to express similar concepts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly specify the type of border to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add a border to

Focuses on the action of adding a border, simplifying the phrasing.

create a border around

Emphasizes the creation of the border, changing the verb but maintaining the meaning.

outline

Uses a single verb to imply the act of creating a border.

frame

Suggests a border that serves as a frame, slightly altering the context.

demarcate with a border

Adds formality by using "demarcate", indicating a clear boundary.

enclose with a border

Implies a more complete surrounding, which can slightly change the nuance.

surround with a border

Similar to enclose, emphasizing the act of surrounding.

mark the boundary

Shifts focus to marking the boundary, rather than the border itself.

set off with a border

Highlights the separation or distinction created by the border.

draw a line around

Uses a more literal description of creating a border.

FAQs

What does "put a border around" mean?

The phrase "put a border around" means to create a boundary or outline around something, such as an image, text, or area.

How can I "add a border" to an image using CSS?

You can use the CSS property border to "add a border to" an HTML element. For example, border: 2px solid black; will add a 2-pixel wide, solid black border.

What can I say instead of "put a border around"?

You can use alternatives like ""add a border to"", "create a border around", or simply "outline" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "put a border around"?

The phrase "put a border around" is appropriate in contexts where you are describing the action of creating a visual or symbolic boundary, such as in design, crafting, or even abstract discussions about limits and boundaries.