clear cut line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear cut line" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a distinct or well-defined boundary or division between two things. Examples: 1. The new policy draws a clear cut line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the workplace. 2. The artist's use of bold colors creates a clear cut line between the foreground and background of the painting. 3. I appreciate your honesty, but there needs to be a clear cut line between constructive criticism and personal attacks.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

First, there is no clear cut line between "independent" and "derived" variables in a biological system, especially when complex integrative properties, such as quantification of responses to some type of stimulation are concerned.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"My understanding," Mr. Comey said, "is that there wasn't a clear-cut line of supervision".

The New York Times

Though Murray Hill in theory extends to 42nd Street, 39th seems a more clear-cut line of demarcation with Midtown and its office towers.

The New York Times

We have not attempted, and likely would not have been able, to draw a clear-cut line between cases involving only an "enlargement" of questions presented below and those involving entirely new questions.

Cornell University

They have never established a clear-cut line between the offensive and the illegal, and the hours of wiretapped conversations involving Mr. Blagojevich, filled with crass, profane talk about benefiting from the Senate vacancy, may fall into a legal gray area.

The New York Times

It is about 0.8 0.9 mm thick (in its present form) and has a flat bottom surface, as evidenced by the straight and clear-cut line on the right end of cross-section.

Heritage Science

And registrars are mostly all, umm, Asian – it's an amazing clear-cut line, you can actually see it!' (Year 4 'non-white' female student).

BMC Medical Education

However, we could not draw a clear-cut line between the E and L genes; instead, we put the 15 genes with intermediate values in the E/L group.

BMC Genomics

Despite the community's ambivalence about the law, Jacob explained that the chaos of his youth provided much to admire about the clear-cut lines of American justice and those who enforce it.

The New York Times - Magazine

'It's very difficult when the law tries to draw clear-cut lines saying that it's O.K. for a woman to do something but not a man, or vice versa".

The New York Times

The '90 also had truffle aromas, a signature of the vineyard, I guess, but it was noticeably sweeter than the other two wines and seemed vaguer, lacking their clear-cut lines.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear cut line", ensure that the context clearly establishes what two elements or concepts are being distinctly separated.

Common error

Avoid using "clear cut line" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where the boundaries are inherently fuzzy or subjective. In such cases, consider alternatives like "conceptual distinction" or "theoretical boundary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear cut line" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "draw a clear cut line"). As Ludwig AI says, it describes a distinct boundary or division. Examples show its use in biological systems, legal matters, and demarcation of physical space.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear cut line" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a distinct and unambiguous boundary or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, and it appears frequently in news, science, and general writing. While its register is generally neutral, its precise meaning makes it suitable for professional and formal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being separated. For alternative phrasing, consider "distinct demarcation", "well-defined boundary", or "unambiguous distinction" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct demarcation

Focuses on the act of clearly setting apart or distinguishing between things.

well-defined boundary

Emphasizes the precise and easily recognizable nature of the limit or edge.

unambiguous distinction

Highlights the lack of confusion or doubt in the difference between two things.

sharp contrast

Focuses on the striking difference that makes the separation very noticeable.

evident division

Stresses the readily apparent nature of the separation.

precise delineation

Emphasizes accuracy and detail in establishing the boundary.

explicit separation

Highlights the clear and direct nature of the division.

obvious demarcation

Stresses that the boundary or division is easily seen or understood.

straightforward differentiation

Implies an easy and uncomplicated way to distinguish between items.

readily apparent distinction

Highlights how the difference is immediately noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "clear cut line" in a sentence?

You can use "clear cut line" to describe a distinct boundary or separation. For example, "The new policy draws a "clear cut line" between acceptable and unacceptable behavior."

What's a good alternative to "clear cut line"?

Alternatives include "distinct demarcation", "well-defined boundary", or "unambiguous distinction" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the expression "clear cut line"?

While generally correct, "clear cut line" may not be suitable for situations where the separation is not truly distinct or is open to interpretation. Consider the specific context to make sure it aligns to the expression’s meaning.

What is the difference between "clear cut line" and "guideline"?

A "clear cut line" defines a definite boundary, while a "guideline" offers general advice or recommendations that are not necessarily strict or absolute. The difference is in the level of enforcement and precision.