crosses the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crosses the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has gone beyond acceptable behavior or boundaries. Example: "His comments during the meeting were inappropriate and really crossed the line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He never crosses the line.

The New York Times - Sports

4.09pm BST Pierre Rolland crosses the line..

The Guardian - Sport

"This crosses the line of legitimate debate".

The New York Times

"Much of what we do crosses the line," he concedes.

The Guardian

Betancur crosses the line a few seconds later for third.

The Guardian - Sport

We've now decided that steroid use crosses the line.

The New Yorker

"At least until it crosses the line into animal mistreatment".

The New York Times

"Their space crosses the line between cabaret and proscenium theater.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But for my cactus, a year-round taxonomical identifier with religious connotations crosses the line.

Huffington Post

Scenarios can arise when the ball only partially crosses the line chaos ensues.

TechCrunch

To others, he crosses the line.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior as having "crosses the line", be specific about which boundary was violated and why it is considered unacceptable. Providing context strengthens your argument and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "crosses the line" without explaining what specific boundary was crossed. Vague statements weaken your argument and leave room for different interpretations. Always clarify the specific behavior that was inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crosses the line" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject has surpassed acceptable limits of behavior or standards. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to evaluate actions against established norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

General Discussion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crosses the line" is a versatile expression used to denote that someone has exceeded the limits of acceptable behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in contemporary English. It's primarily employed in news and media, sports reporting, and general discussions. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the boundary that was violated to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig’s numerous examples and the alternatives provided offer a comprehensive understanding of its application in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oversteps the mark

This alternative suggests exceeding a limit or standard, implying a misjudgment or error in behavior.

goes too far

This phrase is a direct and common way to express that someone's actions have exceeded what is acceptable.

exceeds the limit

This alternative highlights the transgression of a defined or understood boundary.

violates the boundary

This phrase emphasizes the act of breaking a rule or established perimeter of conduct.

steps out of line

This alternative implies a deviation from expected or approved behavior, often within a structured environment.

pushes the envelope

This phrase suggests testing the limits of what is permissible or conventional, often in a creative or innovative way.

breaks the rules

This alternative focuses specifically on violating established regulations or guidelines.

trespasses

This single word suggests encroaching on someone's rights, space, or boundaries in an unacceptable manner.

encroaches

This alternative emphasizes the gradual intrusion beyond acceptable limits.

infringes

This term focuses on violating someone's rights or freedoms.

FAQs

How can I use "crosses the line" in a sentence?

You can use "crosses the line" to describe when someone's behavior goes beyond what is acceptable or appropriate. For example: "His joke at the funeral really "crossed the line"."

What are some alternatives to saying "crosses the line"?

Alternatives include "goes too far", "oversteps the mark", or "steps out of line", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "crosses the line" or "oversteps the boundary"?

Both phrases are similar, but "crosses the line" is more common and informal, while "oversteps the boundary" might sound more formal and precise. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "crosses the line"?

Use "crosses the line" when you want to express that someone has exceeded the limits of acceptable behavior, ethics, or legality. It implies a transgression of a boundary.