direct line from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direct line from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a straightforward or immediate connection or relationship between two points, people, or concepts. Example: "There is a direct line from the CEO to the employees, ensuring that everyone is informed about company decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Direct line from the Gare du Nord.

The Guardian - Travel

Abrams drew a direct line from Longinus to the Romantics.

The New York Times - Books

And you can draw a direct line from there to Isis".

The Guardian - Film

Watching him move, you see a direct line from brain to body.

The New York Times - Arts

"It felt like a direct line from 1980 to now," he said.

The New York Times

There is a direct line from Emerson's "oversoul" to the "overman".

The New York Times - Books

Many conservative evangelicals "feel they have a direct line from God," he said, and feel Bush is divinely chosen.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a direct line from Jackie Robinson to Barack Obama — the sense of yes, we can.

The New York Times - Sports

The son inherited the profession of divinity, which had attracted all his ancestors in direct line from Puritan days.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like Edinburgh's main station, the direct line from Carlisle was named in honour of Sir Walter Scott's novel, Waverley.

Independent

"You can draw a direct line from what I was doing in high school and grammar school to what I'm doing now".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "direct line from" to clearly establish a connection or influence between two distinct entities or ideas. For instance, "There is a "direct line from" early jazz to modern hip-hop."

Common error

Avoid using "direct line from" when the connection is tenuous or speculative. Ensure the relationship is substantial and easily demonstrable, not just a matter of opinion. Do not use it if there isn't solid proof of the relation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct line from" functions as a prepositional phrase, establishing a clear and traceable relationship or connection between two distinct elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to highlight a straightforward link, influence, or origin. For instance, "There is a "direct line from" Jackie Robinson to Barack Obama."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "direct line from" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase to indicate a clear connection, influence, or origin between two elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to academic writing, making it suitable for various levels of formality. When employing this phrase, ensure the connection is substantial and demonstrable to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "straight connection from" or "immediate link from" can be used to nuance the meaning. Remember to avoid speculative connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straight connection from

Replaces "direct line" with "straight connection", emphasizing the lack of deviation in the link.

immediate link from

Substitutes "direct line" with "immediate link", highlighting the promptness and absence of intermediaries in the connection.

clear connection from

Replaces "direct line" with "clear connection", focusing on the unambiguous nature of the relationship.

unbroken chain from

Emphasizes a continuous and uninterrupted sequence or lineage.

traceable link from

Highlights the ability to follow the connection back to its origin.

lineage from

Focuses specifically on ancestral descent or heritage.

derivation from

Implies that something originates or stems from another thing.

succession from

Highlights the sequential following of one thing after another.

originating from

Highlights where something starts or comes into existence.

descending from

Refers to a lineage or line of inheritance.

FAQs

How can I use "direct line from" in a sentence?

The phrase "direct line from" is used to show a clear connection or influence between two things. For example, "There is a "direct line from" the Beatles to many modern rock bands".

What can I say instead of "direct line from"?

You can use alternatives like "straight connection from", "immediate link from", or "clear connection from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a direct line to" instead of "a direct line from"?

"Direct line to" indicates the destination or recipient, while "direct line from" indicates the origin or source. The correct preposition depends on the intended meaning. "A "direct line from" the past" suggests influence, but "a direct line to success" indicates a path or route.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "direct line from"?

Use "direct line from" when you want to emphasize a strong and easily traceable connection, influence, or lineage between two entities or ideas. For example, showing influence on something or tracing the origin.