a rigid line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rigid line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strict or inflexible boundary, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The artist drew a rigid line to separate the two contrasting elements in her painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Broad returned to try to prise out De Villiers, holding a rigid line outside off-stump.

Independent

"It's problematic to draw a rigid line separating breast-feeding and sexuality," said Noelle Oxenhandler, the author of "The Eros of Parenthood".

The New York Times

Drawing a rigid line based on abstract doctrinal principles robs police officers of the discretion and judgment that is essential to law enforcement.

The Washington Post

The British government does appear to have held a rigid line on refusing to pay ransoms to terrorist groups, even though it has resulted in British hostages being executed while their fellow Europeans survived.

The Guardian

When modern technology enables one to communicate easily and effectively with an infringer without knowing the infringer's specific identity, there is no reason for a rigid line requiring knowledge of that identity, so long as the remedy does not interfere with lawful conduct.

Harvard University

When the parameter α is set at 1, the trajectory of the robot in the horizontal plane is shown as a rigid line (see Fig. 3).

ROBOMECH Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The worm was interesting from an engineering standpoint because it tunneled into wood and then secreted a substance that formed a rigid lining behind it, a useful tactic for burrowing into watery mud.

The New York Times - Arts

There is also a tendency among scholars today to draw a less rigid line between what is called Daoist and what is called Confucian.

Britannica

Old-time sheikhs and graduates schooled in Salafi pietism (who seek to emulate the behaviour of the Prophet's comrades) have teamed up with Muslim Brothers who temper their enthusiasm for sharia law with pragmatism in their dealings with non-Muslim people and governments.The jihadists take a more rigid line, saying they will tolerate anything as long as it does not conflict with Islam.

The Economist

Straighten your back so that your feet and your shoulders create a straight, rigid line.

WikiHow

In Figs. 12 and 13, the trajectories and the states are shown as a rigid purple line, a dotted blue line, and a narrow red line.

ROBOMECH Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rigid line" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly supports the image of inflexibility or strict separation you intend to convey. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize a firm, unyielding boundary.

Common error

Avoid using "a rigid line" when describing situations that require adaptability or compromise. The phrase implies a lack of flexibility, which can be inappropriate if the context calls for fluidity and openness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rigid line" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It's frequently employed to denote an unyielding or inflexible boundary, be it literal or figurative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, underscoring its suitability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rigid line" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something inflexible or a strict boundary. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and indicates its use in diverse contexts such as news, science, and wiki articles. While "a rigid line" is a good tool, make sure to not use it in flexible contexts, because its semantic meaning contradicts the context, as a common usage error. Alternatives include phrases like "a strict demarcation" or "an unyielding boundary", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strict demarcation

Emphasizes the precise and inflexible nature of the separation.

an unyielding boundary

Highlights the inflexibility and resistance to change.

a firm border

Focuses on the solid and unbending nature of the limit.

an inflexible rule

Shifts the context from a physical line to an abstract regulation.

a precise delineation

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of the separation.

a definitive separation

Emphasizes the conclusive and unambiguous nature of the division.

a clear distinction

Focuses on the easily perceivable difference between two things.

a hard and fast rule

An idiom that suggests an absolute and invariable rule.

an absolute limit

Highlights the complete and unchangeable nature of the constraint.

a non-negotiable term

Emphasizes the impossibility of altering a particular condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rigid line" to describe something inflexible or a strict boundary, as in: "The company maintained "a rigid line" on pricing despite customer complaints."

What's a good alternative to "a rigid line"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a strict demarcation", "an unyielding boundary", or "a firm border".

Is it correct to say "a rigid lines"?

No, "a rigid lines" is grammatically incorrect. "Rigid" modifies the noun "line", and "a" indicates a singular noun. The correct phrasing is "a rigid line".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a rigid line"?

It's inappropriate when describing situations requiring adaptability. It implies inflexibility, unsuitable for contexts calling for openness or compromise.