What are the definitions of “border on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be located next to a place.
Portugal BORDERS ON Spain.
- 2Be very nearly something.
What he did was BORDERING ON betrayal.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “border on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb border on is to be located next to a place or to be very close to something in terms of characteristics or qualities. For example, it can mean that a country is next to another country, or that a situation is almost like another situation.
What are the different verb forms of “border on”?
| Root Verb | border on |
| Third Person Singular Present | borders on |
| Present Participle | bordering on |
| Simple Past | bordered on |
| Past Participle | bordered on |
Example
Portugal borders on Spain.
Example
His behavior borders on rudeness.
Example
The movie was bordering on being too scary for children.
Example
The situation bordered on chaos.
Example
Her performance bordered on perfection.
What kind of phrasal verb is “border on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“border on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The forest borders on the river.
Example
His actions were bordering on unacceptable.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“border on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The forest borders on the river.
Example
His actions were bordering on unacceptable.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “border on”?
To be very close to being impossible or extremely difficult.
Example
The task she was given bordered on the impossible, but she managed to complete it.
Good things to know
Does “border on” have an informal or formal tone?
Border on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings such as academic writing or professional discussions.
