below the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in business or marketing contexts to refer to expenses or activities that are not included in the main budget or financial statements. Example: "The marketing team has allocated funds for below the line promotions to increase brand awareness in niche markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Please do not get too twisted up below the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Answers below the line.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vice versa for points below the line.

The New York Times

Please add yours below the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Share your views below the line.

The Guardian - Opinion

Below the line is not a euphemism.

The Guardian

Thanks to GeorgeHayes below the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Simply post your question below the line.

The Guardian - Travel

Let the debate begin below the line.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Many thanks to all readers and below-the-line contributors.

The Guardian - Sport

The below-the-line jungle was full of similar praise.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language in order to be clear for your audience, as the meaning can be context-dependent.

Common error

Avoid using "below the line" in contexts where it might be confused with accounting terminology (marketing expenses). Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the line" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, often indicating location or placement of content, typically referring to comments or additional information found at the end of an article or document, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "below the line" is a versatile phrase predominantly used in News & Media to guide readers to comment sections or additional content. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While generally neutral in tone, understanding its specific context—whether digital comments or marketing expenses—is crucial for effective communication. The linguistic properties suggest that "below the line" functions as an adverbial phrase guiding the audience to a specific piece of information or action. To avoid any confusion, use more specific language in order to be clear for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the comments section

Refers specifically to user-generated content at the end of an article or post.

in the fine print

Highlights details that are often overlooked or less obvious.

in the small print

Highlights details that are often overlooked or less obvious.

in the footer

Indicates content located at the very bottom of a document or webpage.

further down the page

Simply denotes content that appears later in a document.

at the bottom of the article

Specifies the physical location of content.

in the addendum

Refers to supplementary material added to the end of a document.

in the afterword

Denotes a section at the end of a book offering additional commentary.

in the appendix

Indicates additional information provided at the end of a report or book.

subsequently discussed

Implies a topic will be addressed later.

FAQs

How is "below the line" used in accounting?

In accounting, "below the line" refers to expenses not included in the main budget, like specific marketing promotions. It contrasts with "above the line" expenses.

What's an alternative to "below the line" in a digital context?

In digital contexts, such as blogs, "below the line" often means the comments section. Alternatives include "in the comments" or "in the "comments section"".

Is "below the line" formal or informal?

The formality of "below the line" depends on the context. In formal business settings, it's neutral. In informal online discussions, it fits well. It is widely used in "news and media".

How does "below the line" differ from "above the line"?

"Below the line" typically refers to supplementary content or less visible details, while "above the line" indicates primary, more prominent information.