ancillary lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancillary lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to additional or supplementary lines that support a main idea or concept, often in technical or artistic discussions. Example: "The artist used ancillary lines to enhance the depth and perspective of the main subject in the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps Paris, at the high point of the fashion pyramid with its haute couture, is shy of ancillary lines because prêt-á-porter was traditionally the next step down from the top.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She somehow also finds time to make an ancillary line called Slow and Steady Wins the Race.

Vice

McNabb is not fueling this line of thinking and he and Eagles quarterback Michael Vick are trying (futilely) to play down the ancillary story lines.

The New York Times - Sports

In this sketch, he took his ancillary one-line part and improvised his way into a central (and quite effeminate) character.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But who's going to mind an ancillary story line about Yancy's efforts to keep a developer from selling the tall, new, half-built house that blocks his ocean view?

The New York Times - Books

To compile the list, Forbes examined concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and additional revenue streams from ancillary businesses: clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements.

Forbes

Turning patients can be difficult owing to the severity of illness, patient size, patient weight, and the presence of traction, indwelling lines, and ancillary equipment surrounding the bed.

Critical Care

On a large site at 26th Street and 11th Avenue owned by the Moinian Group, the M.T.A. plans to build a seven-story ancillary structure for that line.

The New York Times

Although the Dodgers have improved their ancillary parts, the bottom line for this team is that it was built around Ramirez, whose two-year, $45 million contract could allow him to opt out after this season.

The New York Times

To do so we designed an algorithm for the delineation of irregular transects (drive-lines) based on ancillary environmental information, intended to be used specifically for Wide-Ranging Exploratory Surveys (WIRES) at the regional scale.

Geoderma

Data will be collected in real time by chart review and review of ancillary material (e.g. line function checklist).

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or diagrams, use "ancillary lines" to refer to supporting or less crucial connections that enhance understanding but are not the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "ancillary lines" in situations where simpler terms like "additional lines" or "supporting lines" would suffice. Reserve it for contexts where the supplementary nature of the lines needs to be emphasized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancillary lines" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to additional or supplementary lines that support or enhance a main element. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates lines that are not primary but contribute to the whole.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ancillary lines" refers to secondary or supplementary lines, often in technical or artistic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable in written English. While not a very common term, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. When writing, it's best to use "ancillary lines" to describe complex systems when you need to refer to supporting connections that enhance understanding but are not the primary focus. Consider alternatives like "supporting lines" or "additional lines" in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplementary lines

Replaces "ancillary" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the supportive nature.

auxiliary lines

Similar to "ancillary", but focuses on providing extra help or support.

additional lines

A simpler way of expressing the concept of extra lines.

secondary lines

Highlights that the lines are of less importance than primary ones.

supporting lines

Emphasizes the function of the lines as providing support.

related lines

Indicates a connection or relationship between the lines and something else.

subsidiary lines

Implies that the lines are dependent on or serve a larger entity.

associated lines

Highlights that the lines are connected or linked to something.

complementary lines

Focuses on how the lines enhance or complete something else.

collateral lines

Emphasizes that the lines are related but not directly essential.

FAQs

How can I use "ancillary lines" in a sentence?

You can use "ancillary lines" to describe additional or supporting lines in diagrams, maps, or even in abstract concepts where you want to denote elements of secondary importance. For instance, "The diagram used "ancillary lines" to show less critical connections within the network".

What's the difference between "ancillary lines" and "supporting lines"?

"Supporting lines" directly emphasizes the supportive function, while "ancillary lines" suggests a supplemental or subordinate role. Use "ancillary lines" when you want to highlight that the lines are secondary but still contribute to the overall structure or function.

Which is correct, "ancillary lines" or "auxiliary lines"?

Both "ancillary lines" and "auxiliary lines" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning, but "ancillary" often implies a more indirect or supplementary role compared to "auxiliary", which can suggest more direct assistance.

What can I say instead of "ancillary lines"?

You can use alternatives like "supplementary lines", "additional lines", or "supporting lines" depending on the context.