Cool MateApproaching vs Bordering on harassment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Approaching
Top 2,000 (common)
Bordering on harassment
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Bordering on harassmentMost common: Approaching
| Approaching | Bordering on harassment | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈprəʊtʃɪŋ//🇺🇸 //əˈproʊtʃɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈbɔːdərɪŋ ɒn hærəsˈmɛnt//🇺🇸 //ˈbɔrdərɪŋ ɑn hɑːrəˈsmɛnt// |
| Meaning | Getting closer to something or someone. | Almost considered harassment. |
| Example | The train is approaching the station quickly. | His frequent comments about her appearance are bordering on harassment. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | approaching danger, approaching deadlines, approaching distance, approaching storm, approaching target | bordering on inappropriate, bordering on unacceptable, bordering on abusive |
| Antonyms | departing, leaving, moving away | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'approach' as a noun instead of a verb., Using incorrect prepositions, e.g., 'approach to' instead of 'approach'., Not specifying what is being approached. | Confused with 'border on' using an incorrect noun., Overusing in casual contexts., Not recognizing it implies seriousness when discussing behavior. |
| Usage notes | Use in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for any situation where someone is getting closer physically or metaphorically. Be careful in formal writing to clarify intent. | Used in serious discussions about inappropriate behavior; typically avoided in casual conversation. Ensure sensitivity when using in professional contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Approaching vs Bordering on harassment
What's the difference between Approaching and Bordering on harassment?
Approaching: Getting closer to something or someone. Bordering on harassment: Almost considered harassment.
Which is more formal: Approaching and Bordering on harassment?
Bordering on harassment is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Approaching and Bordering on harassment?
Approaching is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Approaching: The train is approaching the station quickly. Bordering on harassment: His frequent comments about her appearance are bordering on harassment.
Can I use Approaching and Bordering on harassment interchangeably?
Not always. Approaching and Bordering on harassment are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.