direct line of sight

USAGE SUMMARY

"direct line of sight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally speaking, it means a straight line between two points of reference, which can be used to describe physical objects or figurative lines of communication or understanding. For example, "The building had a direct line of sight to the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Select a location with a direct line of sight in the direction of the satellite.

WikiHow

The antenna is directional, so you'll need to position it so it has a direct line of sight view of the wireless access point.

WikiHow

Unfortunately, infrared phones require a direct line of sight to the transmitter.

The New York Times - Tech

The lights are pointed upward or away from the viewers' direct line of sight.

The New York Times - Tech

The purpose is to keep the advertisements out of children's direct line of sight.

The New York Times

The rooftop terrace provides a direct line of sight to the Vatican.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Each microphone is monitored to record both the direct line-of-sight pulse from the source and a first received echo.

Cornell University

The testing also found that the novel wireless link could reach 200 meters even when there was no direct line-of-sight.

MIT Technology Review

In RFID-based systems for smart applications, an RFID-tag may be operated from several meters distance and it does not require to be put within direct line-of-sight of the reader like a barcode system.

Future Generation Computer Systems

The company signed a lease for 80,620 square feet in Telecom Center I, in part to take advantage of the 12-story building's direct, line-of-sight connection to lower Manhattan and New Jersey.

The New York Times

Moreover, because radio signals travel through many materials, an R.F.I.D. reader does not need a direct line-of-sight contact to capture a tag's data, and large numbers of tags can be read almost simultaneously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical setups like satellite dishes or wireless antennas, ensure that you emphasize the importance of a clear, unobstructed "direct line of sight" for optimal performance.

Common error

When planning systems requiring "direct line of sight", don't forget to account for potential future obstructions like new buildings or tree growth, which could degrade performance over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct line of sight" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a condition of unobstructed visibility, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

38%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "direct line of sight" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an unobstructed visual or transmission path. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's employed across diverse fields, including news, science, and technology. When using this phrase, consider potential obstructions and ensure clarity in technical descriptions. For alternative phrasing, consider "unobstructed view" or "clear path".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct view

Simplifies the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of direct visibility.

unobstructed view

Focuses on the absence of obstacles in the visual path.

unblocked view

Similar to 'unobstructed view' but with a slightly different emphasis on the absence of blockage.

clear view

Highlights the clarity and visibility of the view.

line of vision

Focuses on the viewer's perspective and range of sight.

straight shot

Emphasizes the directness of the path or trajectory.

visual access

Indicates the ability to see something.

uninterrupted view

Stresses the continuous nature of the view without obstructions.

clear path

Highlights the absence of obstacles in the line of progression or transmission.

visual corridor

Implies a narrow and defined path of sight.

FAQs

How can I use "direct line of sight" in a sentence?

You can use "direct line of sight" to describe an unobstructed view between two points. For example, "The security camera requires a "direct line of sight" to the entrance."

What is a synonym for "direct line of sight"?

Alternatives to "direct line of sight" include "unobstructed view", "clear view", or "straight shot" depending on the specific context.

Does "direct line of sight" always refer to a physical view?

While often used for physical visibility, "direct line of sight" can also metaphorically describe a "direct communication" channel or "clear understanding" between people or concepts.

What factors can affect a "direct line of sight"?

Obstacles such as buildings, trees, or even atmospheric conditions can disrupt a "direct line of sight", reducing the effectiveness of visual or communication systems.