setting a boundary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting a boundary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of establishing limits or guidelines in personal or professional relationships. Example: "It's important to communicate your needs clearly by setting a boundary with your colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With Dirk setting a boundary line, I dropped in and cruised down the mellow slope on a carpet of fresh fluff, a rooster tail flying out behind as I whipped my board between the trees.

Independent

Setting a boundary and then making a formal business appointment.

Forbes

No clear rationale to decide how restrictive the public should be in setting a boundary for allowable risk seems to have been applied.

Structural Safety

So, these window functions can help to overcome these limitations in the device by setting a boundary for the model and properly accounting the boundary effects.

Nanoscale Research Letters

While the footprint can be derived using the full modelling train results for an area, the footprint approach specifically requires setting a boundary condition, to define the situation which is considered sufficiently safe.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "setting a boundary", be clear and direct to avoid misunderstandings. Clearly communicate what you need and expect from others in a calm and assertive manner.

Common error

Avoid setting boundaries without being prepared to enforce them. If you don't consistently uphold the limits you've set, others may not take them seriously, and your boundaries will be ineffective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting a boundary" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of establishing a limit or guideline, often in interpersonal or physical contexts. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting a boundary" is a common and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the act of establishing limits, whether physical, emotional, or professional. As Ludwig confirms, it's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. The phrase carries a neutral tone and serves the purpose of asserting personal control and protecting individual well-being. It is important to communicate these boundaries clearly and to enforce them consistently, avoiding common errors in their application. Related phrases, such as ""establishing a boundary"" and ""defining a boundary"", offer semantically similar alternatives for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting a limit

Uses a more common term instead of the word "boundary".

establishing a boundary

Focuses on the act of making a boundary existent or recognized.

defining a boundary

Emphasizes clarifying or specifying the limits.

creating a limit

Highlights the act of making a restriction or a point beyond which something cannot go.

imposing a restriction

Suggests a more forceful implementation of limits.

drawing a line

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate creating a limit not to be crossed.

delineating a limit

Formal version, stresses precision in defining.

fixing a boundary

Implies setting something permanently.

marking a limit

Focuses on identifying or indicating a limit.

laying down a condition

Stresses the prescriptive nature of setting a limit.

FAQs

How to use "setting a boundary" in a sentence?

You can use "setting a boundary" to describe the act of establishing limits in relationships or situations. For example: "Setting a boundary with a friend might involve limiting the time you spend together."

What can I say instead of "setting a boundary"?

Alternatives include "establishing a boundary", "defining a boundary", or "setting a limit" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "setting a boundary" and "establishing a boundary"?

While both phrases are similar, "setting a boundary" often refers to the act of defining personal limits, whereas ""establishing a boundary"" can refer to creating or recognizing a boundary that didn't previously exist. Both are valid and often interchangeable.

Why is "setting a boundary" important in personal relationships?

"Setting a boundary" is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. It allows individuals to protect their emotional and mental well-being by clearly communicating their needs and limits to others, preventing potential conflicts and misunderstandings.