come back in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come back in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone returning to a proper position or behavior, often in a figurative sense, such as adhering to rules or expectations. Example: "After a brief period of distraction, the team was able to come back in line and focus on the project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The slump can't end until home prices come back in line with economic reality.

The New York Times

"The Republicans have come back in line faster than a lot of people thought, but Sanders will be out of [Clinton's] way in a week and a half, and her natural lead will return to three or four points.

The Guardian

"With over 22,000 units being built there, a significant softening of prices is likely in the foreseeable future until the new-build premium is eroded and prices come back in line with market averages".

The Guardian - Money

If that happens, it might convince investors that many startups that have hit frothy valuations have come back in line with reality, and these companies could be good investment targets if they choose to go public.

TechCrunch

Over-priced markets always come back in line with the "income" price, sometimes by stagnating while the "income" price catches up, sometimes by falling very sharply two or three years in a row.

Forbes

"Once a school is found to be out of compliance, we give them a certain amount of time to work with us and report to us, to come back in line," Gray said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's somehow "unfair". The McCain-Palin line has come back in vogue as liberal/progressives turn their bloodshot eyes to 2012.

HuffPost

Asked if he's next in line, de Castries smiles enigmatically and says, "Come back in three years".

Forbes

Come back in September.

The New York Times

Come back in 2010.

The Economist

"Come back in 6 months".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come back in line" when you want to emphasize a return to a previous, often more desirable or correct, state or position. It's suitable when something or someone has deviated and needs to realign with expectations or norms.

Common error

Avoid using "come back in line" literally when a more direct verb would suffice. The phrase is best used metaphorically to describe alignment with standards, behaviors, or expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come back in line" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a return to a previous state of alignment, agreement, or proper behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come back in line" is a correct and usable idiomatic expression in English, typically employed to signify a return to a state of alignment, compliance, or proper behavior. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is versatile, fitting into various contexts while leaning towards a neutral to slightly informal register. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage suggests a communicative purpose of urging realignment with established standards or expectations, often after a deviation. While grammatically sound and semantically rich, users should mind its figurative nature, choosing more direct alternatives when literal descriptions are needed. When more formality is required, consider phrases such as "return to compliance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get back on track

Emphasizes resuming progress after a deviation.

return to compliance

Focuses on adhering to rules or regulations.

get back to normal

Focuses on resuming a typical or usual state.

realign with standards

Highlights the act of adjusting to meet specific criteria.

fall back into place

Suggests a natural or automatic return to a normal state.

correct course

Focuses on adjusting the direction to achieve a desired outcome.

return to the fold

Implies rejoining a group or organization after a period of absence or dissent.

return to the status quo

Suggests a return to the previous or existing state of affairs.

conform to expectations

Highlights aligning with what is expected or required.

straighten up and fly right

An idiom that suggests improving one's behavior or conduct.

FAQs

What does "come back in line" mean?

The phrase "come back in line" means to return to a state of agreement, compliance, or proper behavior after a period of deviation. It's often used metaphorically to describe realigning with expectations or norms.

How can I use "come back in line" in a sentence?

You can use "come back in line" in a sentence like this: "After the company's profits declined, the CEO implemented new strategies to help the business "get back on track"/"come back in line" with its financial goals."

What are some alternatives to "come back in line"?

Some alternatives to "come back in line" include "return to compliance", "get back on track", or "conform to expectations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "come back in line" formal or informal?

"Come back in line" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal phrase. It's appropriate for most everyday conversations and writing, but may not be suitable for highly formal or technical contexts. Alternatives like "return to compliance" might be more appropriate in those situations.