One of the schematic categories in the configurational system. Boundedness relates to whether a quantity is understood as having inherent boundaries (bounded) or not (unbounded). In the domain of space, this is the basis of the count/mass noun distinction.

For example, count nouns like nightdress and blouse have bounded structure, in that each designates an entity with inherent 'edges', which can thus be individuated and counted. On the other hand, mass nouns like champagne and money do not have inherent 'edges' and therefore cannot be individuated and counted. In the domain of time, boundedness is the basis of the distinction between perfect and imperfect grammatical aspect, as illustrated below:

1. Max has left the toy shop (Perfect)
2. Max is leaving the toy shop (Imperfect) Example (1) is grammatically marked for perfect aspect by the presence of the perfect auxiliary have followed by the past participle left. Perfect aspect encodes an event that is completed and can thus be thought of as bounded. Example (2) is grammatically marked for imperfect (progressive) aspect by the progressive auxiliary be, followed by the progressive participle leaving.