a particular line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific line in a text, poem, or any written work that you want to highlight or discuss. Example: "In the poem, a particular line resonates with me: 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traditional strain sensors simply measure stress along a particular line.

MIT Technology Review

You may not know that a particular line represents a crisp edge.

The New York Times

Tracking stocks represent, or track, a particular line of business within a corporation.

The New York Times

The richer your associations are with a particular line, the likelier you are to remember it.

The New York Times - Arts

Electricity no longer able to flow through a particular line quickly selects another route instead.

The Guardian

Each of us is responsible for a particular line of research.

The New York Times

transverse motion Motion perpendicular to a particular line of sight, which does not result in Doppler shift in radiation received.

Harvard University

The subject may be led by a particular line of questioning and simply deliver whatever the interviewer wants to hear.

The New York Times - Health

Scott Pruitt has repeated a particular line again and again since becoming the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Washington Post

Fourth, start small with proofs of concept involving a particular line of business, geography, or product group.

Harvard Business Review

Is it really because 18% of French people are anti-immigrant xenophobes, with a particular line in Islamophobia?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular line", ensure the context clearly identifies which specific line you are referring to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular line" without providing enough context for the reader to understand which line is being discussed. Be specific or provide identifying information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular line" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It identifies a specific instance of a line within a larger set.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a particular line" is a versatile expression used to highlight a specific line within a broader context. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, emphasizing its wide applicability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific line

Replaces "particular" with "specific", emphasizing precision.

a certain line

Substitutes "particular" with "certain", indicating definiteness.

a given line

Uses "given" to suggest a predetermined or designated line.

a designated line

Highlights the act of formally assigning a line.

a selected line

Emphasizes the choice or selection of a specific line.

a chosen line

Highlights a preference or deliberate choice of a line.

a distinct line

Emphasizes the unique or clearly defined nature of the line.

a noteworthy line

Highlights that the line is important or remarkable.

a remarkable line

Emphasizes the unusual or surprising quality of the line.

an individual line

Focuses on the line as a separate, single entity.

FAQs

What does "a particular line" mean?

The phrase "a particular line" refers to a specific or distinct line, whether in text, a sequence, or any ordered series. It emphasizes that you are referring to one specific line out of many.

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

You can use "a particular line" to draw attention to a specific detail. For example: "A particular line in the poem struck me as particularly poignant."

What can I say instead of "a particular line"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific line", "a certain line", or "a given line" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "a particular line" or "a specific line"?

"A particular line" and "a specific line" are generally interchangeable and don't carry significant differences in formality. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.