a direct line

USAGE SUMMARY

"a direct line" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a route between two points that does not have any stops in between, such as a phone connection between two people. For example, "I gave my friend my phone number so we could connect via a direct line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Moses had a direct line.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can draw a direct line".

The Guardian

The color red is a direct line to emotional response.

The New York Times

Abrams drew a direct line from Longinus to the Romantics.

The New York Times - Books

And it was on a direct line to our home.

The New York Times

There's a direct line between our moral and social crises and the collapse of the humanities.

Stanford University

The family was of a direct line from Richard Bull Smithth, founder of Smithtown, L.I.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They published their departure time and had a direct line.

Forbes

Q. Did Donald Trump's people call you? A. Donald Trump called me. A. Direct line.

The Washington Post

The guerrillas may not have President Estrada, but they have a direct line to his troops.

The New York Times

And you can draw a direct line from there to Isis".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a family lineage, clarify the relationship (e.g., "a direct line of descent").

Common error

Avoid using "a direct line" when referring to a physical path with obstacles. Instead, use "the shortest route" or "the most direct path."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, such as indicating a connection or access to something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct line" is a versatile noun phrase that indicates an immediate, unobstructed connection or access. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, from news and media to academia. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of immediacy and lack of intermediaries. Alternative phrases, such as "straight connection" or "immediate access", may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful not to use it literally for physical paths with obstacles; instead opt for descriptions like "the shortest route".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straight connection

Emphasizes the absence of intermediaries in the connection.

a clear channel

Highlights the unobstructed nature of the communication path.

a hotline

Refers to a direct, often urgent, communication link.

a dedicated communication link

Stresses the exclusive or reserved nature of the connection.

a privileged access

Suggests a special or exclusive form of access.

a private channel

Indicates a confidential or non-public means of communication.

an express route

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the pathway.

a beeline

Suggests moving directly and quickly towards a destination.

immediate access

Highlights the quick availability and ease of reaching something or someone.

unfiltered communication

Suggests communication without intermediaries or censorship.

FAQs

How can I use "a direct line" in a sentence?

You can use "a direct line" to indicate an immediate connection or access, as in "She has "a direct line" to the CEO" or "There's "a direct line" between cause and effect".

What's the difference between "a direct line" and "a hotline"?

"A direct line" generally refers to any immediate connection. "A hotline" specifically describes a phone line for urgent communication, often related to emergencies or support services.

What are some alternatives to "a direct line"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a straight connection", "a clear channel", or "immediate access".

Is it always appropriate to use "a direct line" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the nuance. For formal contexts, "a dedicated communication link" or "privileged access" might be more precise depending on the intended meaning.