Plimsoll line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Plimsoll line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in maritime contexts to refer to the line on a ship's hull that indicates the maximum safe draft, and thus the minimum freeboard for the vessel in various water conditions. Example: "Before setting sail, the captain checked the Plimsoll line to ensure the ship was not overloaded."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Plimsoll line, also called Plimsoll mark, official name international load line, internationally agreed-upon reference line marking the loading limit for cargo ships.

Encyclopedia Britannica

See also Plimsoll line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Below the plimsoll line of human decency".

The Guardian

Even Buckingham Palace painted a "Plimsoll line" into its bathtubs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe so, but in the interests of fairness we need a Plimsoll line on the time frame that constitutes the peak and the trough.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also took a swipe against Channel 4 reality show Big Brother, branding it "unwatchable", and said BBC3 comedy series Tittybangbang was "below the plimsoll line of human decency".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To prevent levels of overexploitation that stand to pull the environmental rug from under our own feet, we need to ditch the economic models responsible, and fundamentally it is Plimsoll lines not dollar signs that we need to attach to nature.

The Guardian

That is why the Plimsoll safety line on the side of ships was introduced to prevent overloading (easy to spot, it looks exactly like the London Underground symbol).

The Guardian

On the heels of the now ubiquitous high-end luxury sneaker, the new Swedish brand Eytys offers a refreshingly low-key alternative: platform plimsolls that channel '90s Venice Beach skater shoes.

The New York Times

The Volunteer plimsoll is $78.

The New York Times

The News International strategy smacked of the "plimsoll strategy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "Plimsoll line" loosely in non-maritime contexts. While it can metaphorically represent a limit, consider more common terms like "threshold" or "boundary" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid overextending the metaphor of "Plimsoll line" to situations where the concept of a physical load limit doesn't directly apply. Overuse can dilute its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Plimsoll line" is as a noun, specifically a compound noun, functioning as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a proper noun when referring to the International Load Line.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Plimsoll line" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term, primarily in maritime contexts, to refer to the load line marking on a ship's hull. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally well-regarded. While the term can be used metaphorically, it's best to reserve it for discussions of ships and the shipping industry. Related terms include "load line" and "waterline mark". Common errors include misunderstanding its metaphorical implications or using it too loosely. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is most frequently encountered in news media and encyclopedic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

load line

A synonym for Plimsoll line, directly referring to the marking indicating maximum loading capacity.

international load line

The official term for the Plimsoll line, emphasizing its internationally agreed-upon standard.

waterline mark

Indicates the level to which a ship sinks when properly loaded; related to, but not specifically the regulatory marking.

mark of submergence

Describes what Plimsoll line indicates: the point beyond which the vessel becomes unsafe for sailing.

maximum load level

Refers to the upper limit of cargo a ship can carry safely, the concept the line represents.

load limit

A general term referring to the safe carrying capacity, the underlying principle behind the Plimsoll line.

ship's draft

Related to the Plimsoll line as it reflects the depth of the ship below the waterline, indicating load.

freeboard

The distance between the waterline and the upper deck edge, inversely related to the load and Plimsoll line.

safety line

More general term that refers to line for preventing overloading on different vehicles (not just ships).

decency threshold

Figurative term to convey the limit of what's acceptable or allowable, drawing analogy from the Plimsoll line.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "Plimsoll line" on a ship?

The "Plimsoll line", also known as the international load line, indicates the maximum depth to which a ship can be safely loaded. It ensures the vessel maintains adequate freeboard for stability and safety.

Is "Plimsoll line" the same as "load line"?

"Plimsoll line" and "load line" are often used interchangeably. "Load line" is the more general term, while "Plimsoll line" specifically refers to the marking introduced by Samuel Plimsoll's legislation.

How is the "Plimsoll line" determined for a ship?

The "Plimsoll line" is determined based on factors like the ship's size, type, intended cargo, and operating conditions. Regulations dictate the specific calculations and markings required.

Can the term "Plimsoll line" be used metaphorically?

Yes, the term "Plimsoll line" can be used metaphorically to represent a limit or boundary, as in "below the "line of decency"". However, it's important to ensure the context is clear and the analogy is appropriate.