a clear line between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear line between" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a distinct separation or boundary between two things. Example: There needs to be a clear line between personal and professional relationships in the workplace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A clear line between exercises and games is drawn here.

Entertainment Computing

It's important to draw a clear line between social or family time and professional time.

The Guardian

Most journalists hew to a clear line between observing a story and participating in it.

The New York Times - Books

Is there a clear line between performance enablement and performance enhancement?

The New York Times - Arts

Here, he drew a clear line between his work and Elon Musk's efforts at SpaceX.

The Guardian - Tech

The Great Recession drew a clear line between soundly run groups and the rest.

The New Yorker

There is, he concluded, "a clear line between First Amendment-protected activity and criminal conduct".

The New York Times

Product development typically occurred before the sale, with a clear line between it and sales.

Harvard Business Review

"There's a clear line between violating privacy rights and imparting safety information".

The New York Times - Health

The settlement now draws a clear line between the competing camps, forcing developers to take sides.

The Economist

Second, the majority fails to maintain a clear line between primary and secondary liability in fraudulent-misstatement cases.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear line between", ensure that the distinction you are making is easily understandable and not open to interpretation. Provide specific details to support the differentiation.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear line between" when the distinction is subjective or context-dependent. Using it in such cases can lead to confusion or misinterpretation, so consider if a more nuanced expression is suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear line between" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It indicates a distinct division or demarcation. Ludwig AI provides ample examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clear line between" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize a distinction or separation between two things. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse domains, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's essential to ensure that the distinction being made is truly evident to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a definite distinction between" or "a marked difference between" to fine-tune the intended nuance. By maintaining awareness of these best practices, you can leverage "a clear line between" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite distinction between

Emphasizes a firm and unquestionable difference.

a distinct boundary between

Highlights the edge or limit separating two things.

a marked difference between

Focuses on the obvious and noticeable contrast.

a sharp contrast between

Implies a striking and easily noticeable difference.

a well-defined separation of

Suggests a deliberate and clear act of setting things apart.

a recognized distinction between

Highlights the acknowledged difference between two entities.

a perceptible difference between

Focuses on the noticeable variation that can be easily observed.

a readily apparent division between

Suggests that the divide is clear and easily observed by all.

a tangible separation of

Emphasizes that the separation is real and concrete, not just theoretical.

a conspicuous divergence between

Highlights a noticeable departure or difference in course or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear line between" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear line between" to highlight a distinct separation or boundary. For instance, "There should be "a clear line between" work and personal life."

What's the difference between "a clear line between" and "a fine line between"?

"A clear line between" indicates a distinct separation, while "a fine line between" suggests a subtle or difficult-to-perceive difference.

Are there any synonyms for "a clear line between"?

Yes, alternatives include "a distinct boundary between", "a marked difference between", or "a well-defined separation of".

Is it always necessary to maintain "a clear line between" two concepts?

While clarity is often desirable, there are situations where ambiguity or overlap is intentional or unavoidable. Consider the specific context and purpose when deciding whether to draw ""a clear line between"" things.