a line or two

USAGE SUMMARY

"a line or two" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to a brief or concise statement, or to a specific section of a longer piece of text. For example, "The poem ended with a line or two about the beauty of the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A line or two later it became much worse.

The New Yorker

Husbands come and go in a line or two.

The New York Times - Books

Other band members might get a line or two.

The Guardian - Film

Just do a line or two a day.

The New York Times - Books

I'd have a line or two and stop.

The Guardian

"I hear you sing a golden hymn," it runs a line or two later.

The Guardian - Music

Providence is another No. 10 seed you could argue should be a line or two higher.

The Washington Post

She lingers to jot a line or two in a tiny notebook.

The New York Times

Even the notification pop-up on my phone throws a line or two into its preview.

The Washington Post

Hens are plainly coloured birds with a line or two crossing the face.

Britannica

Please write me a line or two to stop me giving up completely!

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a line or two" when you want to indicate a short, non-specific amount of text, like a few sentences in a letter or a brief mention in a report.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on vague quantifiers like "a line or two" if the exact amount of text is important or can be easily specified. Be more precise when necessary to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line or two" functions as a quantifier, indicating a small and indefinite amount of written text. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing numerous examples where it's used to describe brevity or a minimal addition to a piece of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line or two" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to indicate a small, unspecified amount of written text. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It functions as a quantifier and is often used to emphasize brevity or conciseness. While its register is mostly neutral, it might be less appropriate in highly formal contexts where more precise language is preferable. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, as demonstrated by the examples. Consider using alternative phrases like ""a few lines"" or ""a brief note"" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of lines

Focuses on a quantity of lines, specifying that there are two.

a few lines

Indicates a small, indefinite number of lines.

a brief note

Emphasizes the shortness and informality of the written content.

a short passage

Implies a slightly longer segment of text, but still relatively concise.

a quick message

Highlights the speed and efficiency of the communication.

a brief comment

Focuses on a short remark or observation.

a concise statement

Stresses the directness and lack of unnecessary detail.

a short paragraph

Refers to a small amount of text, typically more than a few lines.

a snippet of text

Highlights a small piece or extract from a larger whole.

a brief excerpt

Indicates a short selection taken from a larger work.

FAQs

How can I use "a line or two" in a sentence?

You can use "a line or two" to indicate a small amount of text. For example, "He jotted down "a line or two" in his notebook" or "The article dedicated "a line or two" to the new policy".

What is a synonym for "a line or two"?

Alternatives to "a line or two" include phrases such as "a few lines", "a couple of lines", or "a brief note". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of formality you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "a line or two" in formal writing?

While "a line or two" is generally acceptable, it's more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language, such as "a brief statement" or "a concise summary".

What's the difference between "a line or two" and "a short paragraph"?

"A line or two" suggests a very small amount of text, typically just a few sentences. "A short paragraph" implies a slightly longer amount of text, usually consisting of several sentences that develop a single idea.