best line ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best line ever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a particular line or quote is considered the most outstanding or memorable. Example: "After hearing that quote in the movie, I couldn't help but think it was the best line ever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

So I got back on my skis and began threading my way between tree trunks until, like the local dude who skied the "best line ever", I emerged at the bottom of Pale Face on to an empty cat track, knowing I would never be able to find that exact line again.

The Guardian - Travel

--"We got Poped" = best line ever.

Los Angeles Times

"'If you're from Africa, why are you white?' is the best line ever," Seyfried said when asked to pick her favorite quote from "Mean Girls," which turned 10 last month.

Huffington Post

But even though I could have opened a query to her with the best line ever -- i.e. "Perhaps you remember that time I gave you the rest of my apple pie?" -- I took what I perceived as the professor's lack of confidence in me too deeply to heart and never contacted her.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

One of the best lines ever written in journalism was by Joan Didion in her 1966 profile of Joan Baez.

The Guardian - Opinion

Watching his cagey enjoyment of the finale -- it's one of the best lines ever in a thriller -- is like watching a marathon runner take a victory lap.

The New York Times

(Although, let's give the man his due, the lyric "all those things you saw in your pajamas / are a long-range forecast for your farmers" is one of the best lines ever written in a musical).

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the best lines ever written about Orson Welles, regarding his great, and underappreciated, film "The Trial," were penned by Mekas when it was in first run, in February , 1963 The older Welles grows, the more he indulges himself in his macabre, belly humor.

The New Yorker

Votta, however, declared that the show "should never let NeNe go", and said she "delivers some of the best lines ever".

Wikipedia

Groucho Marx once said that the best line he ever heard about show business was spoken by an audience member in a small Midwestern town.

The New York Times - Books

But the popular reaction to Short's ragged departure from office reminded me of the best line Wendy Wasserstein ever wrote: "There's nothing quite so satisfying as erasing the professional competency of a woman, is there?" Birmingham Edgbaston is a constituency that has been represented by women for 57 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the category to which the “best line” belongs, such as “best opening line ever” or “best closing line ever”, to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "best line ever" in formal or academic writing where a more objective or analytical tone is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "most significant quote" or "most impactful statement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best line ever" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to convey a subjective opinion about the quality or impact of a particular statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase expresses that something is considered outstanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Reference

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best line ever" is a subjective declaration of admiration for a particular statement, functioning as an evaluative expression. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase expresses strong approval. While grammatically sound and frequently used in News & Media, it's essential to consider context and choose more formal alternatives, such as "most impactful statement", in academic or professional settings. Recognizing its inherent subjectivity ensures precise and impactful communication when expressing high praise for a quote.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest line ever

Focuses on superiority, similar to 'best' but emphasizing scale or impact.

most memorable line

Highlights the lasting impression of the line, shifting focus from quality to impact.

funniest line ever

Specifies humor as the defining quality, narrowing the scope to comedic effect.

most iconic line

Emphasizes the cultural significance or recognizability of the line.

ultimate one-liner

Implies brevity and impact, often used in comedic contexts.

unforgettable quote

Highlights the quotability and memorability of the line.

classic saying

Indicates a line that has stood the test of time and become widely recognized.

top phrase

A more generic expression indicating high ranking or quality.

remark of the century

Suggests a standout statement with historical importance.

definitive statement

Emphasizes the authoritativeness or conclusiveness of the line.

FAQs

How can I use "best line ever" in a sentence?

You can use "best line ever" to express your opinion on a particularly memorable or impactful quote, like: "I think that's the "best line ever" from that movie."

What's a more formal alternative to "best line ever"?

For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "most impactful statement", "most significant quote", or "most memorable phrase" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "best line ever" subjective or objective?

"Best line ever" is generally subjective, reflecting a personal opinion or preference. While others might agree, it's not an objective measure of quality.

What makes a line the "best line ever"?

Factors like memorability, emotional impact, humor, and relevance to the context can contribute to a line being considered the ""best line ever"". It often depends on individual taste and interpretation.