a line through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical line drawn across something or to indicate a cancellation or deletion in text. Example: "Please draw a line through the incorrect answers on the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So you put a line through that".

The New Yorker

Everyone's got a line through them".

The Guardian - Opinion

He has run a line through their names.

The New Yorker

It is not easy drawing a line through this country.

The New York Times

"The event draws a line through my life," he wrote.

The New Yorker

It's a line through lunar plains and mountains.

The Washington Post

It showed a camera with a line through it.

The New York Times

Would we draw a line through South America, too?

The New York Times - Travel

"The marathon route is a line through a commercial area.

The New York Times - Sports

The symbol for the Greek letter theta is used (the O with a line through it).

Cornell University

So let's put backward induction with a line through it: they're failing backward induction.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a line through" to describe paths, routes, or connections that physically or conceptually traverse a space or series of points.

Common error

Avoid using "a line through" when a more precise term like "a connection between" or "a path across" would better convey the intended meaning. Context is key to selecting the right phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line through" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It can modify nouns or verbs, indicating direction, location, or means of deletion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a line through" is a versatile prepositional phrase with multiple applications. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe physical lines, indicate cancellations, or denote paths. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with significant presence in scientific and wiki sources as well. While maintaining a neutral register, remember that selecting a more specific term such as "a connection between" can improve clarity in some instances. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight the various ways this phrase can be effectively used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strikeout through

Specifically refers to the act of marking text for removal.

a slash across

Emphasizes the visual of a line cutting through, often implying deletion.

a path across

Focuses on the physical path or route aspect, emphasizing crossing a space.

a connection between

Highlights the linking aspect, suggesting a relationship or pathway.

a deletion of

Directly implies the removal or cancellation of something.

a route via

Emphasizes the direction and method of passage.

a cancellation of

Similar to deletion, but can also refer to nullifying an event or agreement.

a passage across

Focuses on the act of moving from one point to another.

an erasure of

Suggests a more complete removal, as if wiping something away.

a traverse of

Highlights movement across a space or area.

FAQs

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

You can use "a line through" to describe drawing a physical line, as in "Draw "a line through" the middle of the page". It can also signify cancellation, as in "Put "a line through" any incorrect answers".

What does it mean to "draw a line through" something?

To "draw "a line through"" something typically means to cancel, delete, or invalidate it. It can also mean to physically draw a line across it.

What can I say instead of "draw "a line through""?

You can use alternatives like "strike out", "cross out", or "cancel" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "draw a line" instead of "draw "a line through""?

"Draw a line" often refers to establishing a boundary or limit, whereas "draw "a line through"" suggests cancellation or physical passage. For example, "draw "a line" in the sand" sets a limit.