a lifeline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lifeline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that provides support or assistance in a difficult situation. Example: "During the economic downturn, the government’s financial aid program served as a lifeline for struggling businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a lifeline".

The New York Times

It was a lifeline.

Independent

The museum needs a lifeline.

The New York Times

Contreras needed a lifeline.

The New York Times - Sports

EUROPE is drowning and needs a lifeline.

The New York Times

But they could also be a lifeline.

The New York Times

For her parents, it is a lifeline.

The New York Times

The All Blacks were given a lifeline.

Independent

It became a lifeline during Hurricane Sandy.

The New York Times

Government programs remain a lifeline for millions.

The New York Times

She was throwing me a lifeline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "a lifeline" with a brief explanation of why the support is essential, such as "a lifeline in times of crisis" or "a lifeline for struggling families".

Common error

Avoid using "a lifeline" when describing situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where genuine support is crucial to overcoming significant adversity. Using it for less critical scenarios dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lifeline" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or direct object. Ludwig AI shows this in examples like "It was a lifeline" and "The tankers remain a lifeline". It identifies something or someone providing critical support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lifeline" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies something providing crucial support or rescue in a dire situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. Alternatives include "a saving grace" or "a vital support", although "a lifeline" is reserved for scenarios where the support is critical to overcoming significant adversity. To use the phrase effectively, make sure the context clearly establishes the difficulty and the importance of the support being offered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a saving grace

Emphasizes the positive and redeeming quality of the support.

a vital support

Highlights the essential nature of the assistance provided.

a critical resource

Focuses on the importance of the resource in a challenging situation.

an essential aid

Stresses the helpful and necessary aspect of the support.

a crucial assistance

Underscores the decisive role of the help given.

an indispensable support

Highlights that the support is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

a means of survival

Focuses on the life-sustaining aspect of the support.

a source of salvation

Implies rescue from a dire situation.

a way out

Offers an escape or solution to a difficult problem.

a helping hand

Suggests a direct and personal form of assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "a lifeline" in a sentence?

You can use "a lifeline" to describe something that provides crucial support or assistance during a difficult time. For example, "The loan was "a lifeline" for the struggling business."

What are some alternatives to using "a lifeline"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a saving grace", "a vital support", or "a critical resource" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a lifeline"?

It is appropriate to use "a lifeline" when referring to something that provides essential help or rescue in a dire or challenging situation. It emphasizes the critical nature of the support being offered.

What's the difference between "a lifeline" and "a helping hand"?

"A lifeline" implies a more critical and urgent need for assistance, often in life-threatening or extremely difficult circumstances. "A helping hand" suggests a more general and less urgent form of assistance.