bloodline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bloodline" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's ancestry or lineage, often in the context of family heritage or genetic descent. Example: "The royal family takes great pride in their bloodline, tracing their ancestry back for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though China once considered all overseas Chinese eligible for citizenship, it switched its criterion in 1954 from bloodline to birthplace.

The Economist

When Japan ruled Korea from 1905-45, racideologuesguesaidid that the two countries shared the same bloodline.

The Economist

His father, Aga Khan III, who traced his bloodline to the Prophet Muhammad, was the leader of the Ismailis.

The Economist

India's soft state encourages the conglomerate form of doing business, whether owned by a bloodline or not.

The Economist

The main trouble with Germany's citizenship law is that it is based on bloodline, not place of birth, so young "foreigners" (notably Turks) born and brought up in Germany are not granted citizenship automatically but have to apply for it, laboriously.

The Economist

Finding a way to fix it has become a preoccupation of the Bank of Italy, the central bank.Banca di Roma's bloodline was never promising.

The Economist

The chairman of LG, a South Korean conglomerate, adopted when his only son died early (he also has two daughters); he took in his brother's son, the better to keep the business in the family.Traditional Confucian notions of the bloodline family still hold sway, as do aspects of primogeniture.

The Economist

A majority of adopted babies are girls so as to avoid difficulties over inheritance and at ancestral family rites, which are normally carried out by bloodline sons.South Korea's government has long wanted to boost domestic adoption rates.

The Economist

Though undemocratic, the bloodline was supposed at least to bestow minimal competence.

The Economist

Many families fiddled with theirs: when, for example, a bloodline came to an end, a non-relative could be written into a genealogical book in return for payment.

The Economist

The consequence of being in thrall to a bloodline is a weak party that lacks shared policies or common values.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing family history or heritage, consider using "bloodline" to emphasize the direct line of descent and genetic connection between individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "bloodline" when referring to cultural traditions or values passed down through generations. While related, "bloodline" specifically denotes genetic ancestry, not necessarily cultural inheritance. Use "heritage" or "tradition" instead to emphasize cultural aspects.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bloodline" is as a noun, referring to the abstract link between a person and their ancestors or the pedigree of an animal. Ludwig AI examples show its use in discussing family heritage, royal succession, and even the origins of corporate entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Independent

5%

The New Yorker

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bloodline" is a commonly used noun that refers to the lineage or ancestry of a person or animal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica. The primary contexts in which "bloodline" appears are News & Media and Encyclopedias, suggesting a broad usage across various domains. When writing, it's crucial to use "bloodline" accurately to denote genetic ancestry and avoid confusing it with broader concepts like cultural heritage. Alternatives like "lineage" and "ancestry" can be used for semantic variation. In summary, understanding the nuances of "bloodline" ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lineage

Focuses on the direct line of descent from ancestors.

ancestry

Refers to the origin and descent of a person or family.

descent

Emphasizes the act of descending from a common ancestor.

family tree

A visual representation of familial relationships and ancestry.

genealogy

The study and tracing of lines of descent.

parentage

Relates specifically to the identity of one's parents.

heritage

Encompasses the traditions, achievements, and beliefs of one's ancestors.

stock

Highlights the origin or breed of a family or group.

extraction

Focuses on the origin or source from which someone is derived.

pedigree

Often used in the context of animals, but can also refer to a distinguished ancestry.

FAQs

How can I use "bloodline" in a sentence?

You can use "bloodline" to refer to ancestry or lineage. For example, "The throne is passed down through the royal bloodline" or "He comes from a long bloodline of doctors."

What are some synonyms for "bloodline"?

Alternatives to "bloodline" include "lineage", "ancestry", "descent", or "pedigree" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "bloodline" when discussing animal breeding?

Yes, "bloodline" is often used to describe the ancestry and breeding of animals, especially when referring to desirable traits or characteristics. For example, "This horse comes from a strong bloodline of racing champions."

What is the difference between "bloodline" and "heritage"?

"Bloodline" specifically refers to genetic ancestry and lineage, while "heritage" encompasses cultural traditions, values, and historical experiences passed down through generations. "Bloodline" is about genetic connection; heritage is about cultural legacy.