within the boundaries of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within the boundaries of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is contained or limited by specific parameters or limits. Example: "The project must be completed within the boundaries of the budget and timeline set by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's been imprisoned within the boundaries of Saudi Arabia.

The New Yorker

Nor do they cover telemarketing within the boundaries of a state.

The New York Times

By definition a civil war is a war within the boundaries of a sovereign country.

The New York Times

"UC police will conduct traffic stops only within the boundaries of UC's campus," the release said.

The Guardian

Avon is within the boundaries of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a national park.

The New York Times

In the arts, we often have to work within the boundaries of our limited resources.

The Guardian

Did you enjoy working within the boundaries of these contained sections?

The New Yorker

He said the plan would fall within "the boundaries of viability" for the airline.

The New York Times

The evening's other two sets more easily fit within the boundaries of avant-garde jazz.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, within the boundaries of zero tolerance, many schools find room for discretion.

The New York Times

Yet within the boundaries of her chosen repertoire, she was - quite simply - unique and revolutionary.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining geographical regions or jurisdictions, use "within the boundaries of" to clearly indicate the area covered. For example, "The park is located within the boundaries of the national forest".

Common error

Avoid using "within the boundaries of" when you actually mean 'related to' or 'relevant to'. This phrase specifically denotes physical or conceptual containment, not just general association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within the boundaries of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate location, scope, or limitation. As Ludwig indicates, it accurately conveys that something is enclosed or restricted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "within the boundaries of" is a prepositional phrase used to specify that something is contained or limited by particular borders, rules, or frameworks. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its frequency is high across various domains, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While "within the boundaries of" can be used in a variety of situations, it's crucial to avoid confusing it with terms that denote general association rather than strict containment. Related phrases such as ""within the confines of"" and ""within the scope of"" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, as Ludwig demonstrates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inside the limits of

Changes the wording to emphasize being enclosed by established restrictions or maximums.

within the confines of

Emphasizes restriction and enclosure, suggesting a limited or constrained space.

within the scope of

Focuses on the range or extent of something, particularly in discussions about responsibility or authority.

within the borders of

Specifically refers to geographical or political limits, suggesting physical containment.

within the perimeter of

Emphasizes the outer boundary or circumference, implying a guarded or secured area.

subject to the restrictions of

Highlights the act of being under the control of specific rules or limitations.

limited by the extent of

Focuses on the constraining influence of something's reach or capacity.

confined to the area of

Stresses the act of being limited or restricted to a particular space or region.

enclosed by the limits of

Highlights the sense of being completely surrounded or contained by specific limitations.

inside the precinct of

Implies being within an area that has recognized boundaries, often with specific regulations.

FAQs

What does "within the boundaries of" mean?

The phrase "within the boundaries of" means inside the defined limits or borders of something, whether it's a physical space, a set of rules, or a conceptual framework.

How can I use "within the boundaries of" in a sentence?

You can use "within the boundaries of" to indicate that something is contained or restricted by specific limits. For example, "All construction must occur "inside the limits of" the designated zone".

What are some alternatives to "within the boundaries of"?

Some alternatives include "within the confines of", "within the scope of", "within the borders of", or "inside the limits of" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "within the boundaries of" and "within the limits of"?

While similar, "within the boundaries of" often refers to a physical or geographical area, whereas "within the limits of" can refer to more abstract constraints, such as financial or temporal limits.