their borders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their borders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the boundaries or limits of a particular area, country, or region that belong to a specific group or entity. Example: "The countries in the region have been in conflict over their borders for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their borders?

Independent

Wary regional governments are tightening their borders.

The Economist

Across Europe, countries were tightening their borders.

The New Yorker

"They want to take their borders back.

The New Yorker

Then, only three countries opened their borders.

The Guardian

Central American nations are reinforcing their borders.

The Washington Post

Leg ulcers were traced at their borders onto plastic.

Journal of WOCN

"No one leaves their borders unattended," he said.

The New Yorker

Sweden did not close their borders, they just regulated them.

The New Yorker

The EU has made the Czechs tighten their borders.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some smaller banks have relatively few competitors within their borders.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or political issues, use "their borders" to clearly define the geographical limits of a nation or entity. For example, "Maintaining the security of "their borders" is a primary concern for many nations."

Common error

Ensure you are using the correct form of "their". "Their" indicates possession (belonging to them), whereas "there" indicates a place, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are". For example, avoid writing "They're borders are heavily guarded" when you mean ""Their borders" are heavily guarded."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their borders" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the boundaries belonging to a specific entity, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their borders" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the boundaries belonging to a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business communications, it's essential for discussing topics related to international relations, security, and territorial sovereignty. When using the phrase, ensure you use the correct possessive form "their" to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases like "their boundaries" or "their frontiers" can provide variety, but it's crucial to maintain accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their boundaries

Replaces "borders" with "boundaries", a direct synonym focusing on the limits of a space or concept.

their frontiers

Substitutes "borders" with "frontiers", emphasizing the edge or boundary of a territory, especially a country.

their territories

Replaces "borders" with "territories", highlighting the area under their jurisdiction or control.

the limits of their domain

Expresses the idea of "borders" as the maximum extent of their control or influence.

the edges of their land

Uses "edges of their land" to refer specifically to the geographic borders of a landmass they possess or control.

their jurisdictional limits

Highlights that "borders" can refer to the legal extent of their authority or control.

the confines of their realm

Replaces "borders" with a more metaphorical "confines of their realm", suggesting the limits of their influence or power.

the perimeter of their sphere of influence

Emphasizes the outer limits of their influence, whether political, economic, or cultural.

their demarcated regions

Uses "demarcated regions" to highlight areas clearly marked or separated as their territory.

the limits of their reach

Focuses on the extent to which they can exert influence or control, implying that "borders" define how far their power extends.

FAQs

What does "their borders" mean?

"Their borders" refers to the geographical boundaries or limits of a country, region, or entity that belongs to a specific group or people. It signifies the area over which they have sovereignty or control.

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

You can use "their borders" to discuss issues related to national security, immigration, trade, or international relations. For example, "The government is working to strengthen "their borders" against illegal immigration."

What are some alternatives to "their borders"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "their boundaries", "their frontiers", or "their territories". Each option offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "there borders" instead of "their borders"?

No, "there borders" is grammatically incorrect. "Their" indicates possession, while "there" indicates a place. The correct phrase is "their borders", which means the borders belonging to them.