at a line of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a line of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific point or position within a line of text or a sequence of items. Example: "Please read at a line of the document where the changes were made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"You think we did this ourselves?" one asked incredulously, pointing at a line of bullet holes.

The Guardian

Everyone inside sits close to one another in high-backed chairs with purple upholstery at a line of tables.

The New York Times

"Who lives way out like that?" Angie says, pointing through the window at a line of trailer homes.

The New Yorker

Security forces clashed with supporters of Mr. Wahid in Pasuruan after the protesters had hurled homemade bombs at a line of police officers.

The New York Times

Behind the paving-stone barricades, her fellow guards were throwing stones at a line of armoured personal carriers advancing through a choking cloud of teargas.

The Guardian

The second bombing took place near a police academy on Palestine Street, apparently aimed at a line of recruits standing outside the station.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

At last a line of Australian ships came around Bradleys Head.

The Guardian

2.49am GMT At last, a line of some quality, inspiring applause of some cascade.

The Guardian

At zero, a line of fountains started spewing fire, and a loud rumbling began.

The New York Times - Travel

Out at sea a line of ships similarly waits to dock.

The Economist

Don Poli, second behind Cue Card on Thursday, was 14 lengths adrift of Don Cossack at Cheltenham, a line of argument which tends towards Gordon Elliott's chaser.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a line of", ensure the context clearly establishes a linear arrangement or sequence. It's particularly effective for describing positions within a physical space or sequential steps in a process.

Common error

Avoid using "at a line of" when describing elements that are not arranged linearly or sequentially. For instance, using it to describe scattered objects would be inaccurate; instead, consider phrases like "among a group of" or "within a collection of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a line of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or position within a linear arrangement. It clarifies the spatial relationship between elements, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a line of" is a prepositional phrase used to describe position or location within a linear arrangement or sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context involves a clear linear or sequential arrangement. Alternative phrases like "along a row of" or "beside a sequence of" can offer similar meanings. Using this guidance will help ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

along a row of

Focuses on physical arrangement in a row.

beside a sequence of

Highlights proximity and sequential arrangement.

in proximity to a series of

Emphasizes closeness and a consecutive order.

next to a string of

Implies adjacency and a connected series.

adjacent to an array of

Stresses adjacency within an organized arrangement.

bordering a succession of

Indicates that something lies on the edge of a continuous series.

flanking a chain of

Describes being on either side of a connected series.

abutting a file of

Emphasizes physical contact with something arranged in a file.

by a rank of

Indicates nearness to something arranged in a row.

close to a file of

Expresses nearness to something arranged in a line.

FAQs

How can I use "at a line of" in a sentence?

You can use "at a line of" to describe a position in a sequence or arrangement, such as "The soldiers stood "at a line of" defense" or "He pointed "at a line of" code on the screen".

What phrases are similar to "at a line of"?

Similar phrases include "along a row of", "beside a sequence of", or "adjacent to an array of", all describing a linear or sequential positioning.

Is it correct to use "at a line of" to describe non-linear arrangements?

No, "at a line of" is best suited for describing elements arranged in a linear fashion. For non-linear arrangements, consider using phrases like "among a group of" or "within a collection of".

What's the difference between "at a line of" and "in a row of"?

"At a line of" emphasizes the specific position within a sequence or arrangement, while "in a row of" focuses on the arrangement itself. For example, "standing "at a line of" police" versus "houses "in a row of" old buildings".