clear lines

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear lines" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest a separation or distinct boundaries between two things. For example, "The government has drawn clear lines between what is acceptable and what is forbidden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

-- First, create clear lines of regulation.

The Washington Post

It is impossible to have clear lines or distinct borders".

The New York Times

Clear lines of succession there when the BBC chooses.

The Guardian

Can their clear lines ever survive on film?

The New Yorker

Reformists have drawn clear lines between themselves and the protesters.

The Washington Post

Basra is a city divided along pretty clear lines.

The New York Times

It was a time when clear lines were drawn.

The New York Times

But what of the clear lines between good and evil?

The New York Times

Bureaucracies have clear lines of command and control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No clear lines between humans, technology, culture, nature, and the environments in which all life lives.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In any case, once-clear lines between businesses were blurred.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, establishing "clear lines" is vital for defining rights and responsibilities. Ensure contracts and agreements have no ambiguities to avoid future disputes.

Common error

Avoid using "clear lines" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where the concept of defined boundaries may not be applicable. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can make your writing sound cliché and lack nuance. Instead, explore alternative expressions that better capture the complexity of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear lines" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies distinct boundaries, responsibilities, or divisions. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase suggests separation or distinct boundaries between two things. The Washington Post uses the phrase in the context of regulation, stating, "First, create "clear lines" of regulation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear lines" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies distinct boundaries, responsibilities, or divisions. It's grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the importance of well-defined roles and limits across various contexts, from business to personal relationships. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally used to suggest a separation or distinct boundaries between two things. While its register is generally neutral, overuse in abstract contexts should be avoided. The phrase finds frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. Related phrases include "distinct boundaries", "defined responsibilities", and "sharp demarcations". The top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct boundaries

Replaces "lines" with "boundaries", focusing on the separation aspect.

defined responsibilities

Substitutes "lines" with "responsibilities", emphasizing clarity in duties.

sharp demarcations

Uses "demarcations" instead of "lines", highlighting a clear division.

explicit distinctions

Replaces "clear lines" with a more formal expression, "explicit distinctions".

well-defined limits

Emphasizes the idea of established boundaries, using "limits" instead of "lines".

unambiguous divisions

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in separations, using "divisions".

precise delineations

Focuses on the exactness of the separations, using "delineations".

obvious separations

Stresses the ease of seeing the differences or boundaries.

clear-cut divisions

Adds emphasis on the decisiveness and finality of the divisions.

readily apparent distinctions

Highlights how easily the distinctions can be seen or understood.

FAQs

How can I use "clear lines" in a sentence?

You can use "clear lines" to describe distinct boundaries or responsibilities, such as "The new policy establishes "clear lines" of authority within the department".

What's a good alternative to "clear lines"?

Alternatives include "distinct boundaries", "defined responsibilities", or "sharp demarcations", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "clear lines"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of having well-defined boundaries, responsibilities, or distinctions to avoid confusion or ambiguity.

What is the difference between "clear lines" and "blurred lines"?

"Clear lines" indicate distinct boundaries, while "blurred lines" suggest that the boundaries are indistinct or unclear. Using "blurred lines" implies a lack of clear separation or definition.