set a boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'set a boundary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about establishing a clear limit or limit to something. For example: "My parents always set a boundary when it comes to using the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Set a boundary along the crest of the Appalachians beyond which the English colonists were forbidden to settle.

The New York Times

Dressing in a suit can set a boundary against what Guy O. Seymour, who has worked as a psychologist for the Atlanta police, called "crime-scene corruption".

The New York Times

Will George W. Bush and his minions ever stand up in court before someone like Judge John J. Sirica who might set a boundary between criminal acts and mere stupidity and fecklessness?

The New York Times

"It felt like every millisecond I was attempting to set a boundary and say no and people were breaking into my hotel rooms and going through my suitcase and pulling my hair and jumping on my car".

The Guardian - Music

"For at some point," Goldberg writes, "it is necessary to throw down the gauntlet, to draw a line in the sand, to set a boundary, to cry at long last, 'Enough is enough.'" These are familiar words, eerily reminiscent of the "adrelaline-soaked" clichés of John F. Kennedy as he railed against Soviet expansion around the globe.

The New York Times - Books

CF radius is set a boundary which defines the limits for the CF growth/rupture which is given as [93]: {r}_{CF_{Tm}}le {r}_{CF_T}le {r}_{CF_{TM}} (85) {r}_{CF_B}le {r}_{CF_{BM}} (86).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

First, I want to be clear that you setting a boundary is not being confrontational.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To complete his masterpiece, the god sets a boundary around this teeming scene: "the powerful river of Ocean flowing /... along its outermost rim".

The New Yorker

But Palestinians say the path amounts to confiscation of land and sets a boundary as a matter of fact that would make it difficult to establish a viable Palestinian state.

The New York Times

Setting a boundary and then making a formal business appointment.

Forbes

Classically, diffraction theory sets a boundary for the resolving capacity of optical instruments.

Progress in Retinal and Eye Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a boundary", be specific about what the boundary entails and why it's being established. Clear communication is key for effective implementation.

Common error

Avoid making your boundaries too broad or undefined. Ensure your boundary is well-articulated and enforceable; otherwise, it's easily misinterpreted or ignored.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a boundary" functions primarily as a verb phrase, denoting the action of establishing a limit or border. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a boundary" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe establishing limits or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives like "establish a limit" or "draw a line" can offer slightly different nuances. Remember, setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting personal resources. Use this phrase confidently to clearly communicate your limits and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a limit

Emphasizes the act of creating a restriction or maximum allowance.

define a border

Focuses on specifying the edge or perimeter of something.

draw a line

Implies creating a distinction or separation, often in a figurative sense.

impose a restriction

Highlights the act of enforcing a limitation or control.

mark an edge

Stresses the action of identifying the outer limit of something.

delineate a limit

Suggests outlining or defining the scope of something in detail.

specify a constraint

Focuses on clearly stating a restriction or requirement.

fix a limit

Emphasizes the act of making a limit permanent or unchangeable.

formulate a boundary

Suggests carefully developing and expressing a limit or border.

demarcate a boundary

Indicates establishing the limits or boundaries of something.

FAQs

How can I use "set a boundary" in a sentence?

You can use "set a boundary" to describe establishing limits in various contexts, such as personal relationships, professional environments, or even in scientific experiments. For example, "It's important to "set a boundary" with demanding clients to protect your time".

What are some alternative phrases to "set a boundary"?

Alternatives include "establish a limit", "define a border", or "draw a line", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "set a boundary" or "setting a boundary"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Set a boundary" is typically used as an imperative or infinitive, while "setting a boundary" is a gerund or participle, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. The best choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "set a boundary" and "set limits"?

While similar, "set a boundary" often implies defining a specific line or area that should not be crossed, while "set limits" is more general and can refer to any kind of restriction or maximum. The choice depends on the level of specificity you want to communicate.