distinct lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe clear and separate boundaries or differences between concepts, ideas, or physical objects. Example: "The artist used distinct lines to separate the different elements of the composition, creating a sense of clarity and focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Graham said today's session dealt with two distinct lines of inquiry on a timeline running from 1986 to 1996.

The New York Times

We like to think of these as absolutes: that there are distinct lines between humans and animals, and that certain "human" rights are unalienable.

The New York Times

Broadly, their arguments on behalf of maintaining EEC membership took two distinct lines: the economic benefits of staying and the political dangers of leaving.

The Guardian

But the bianqiang was a network rather than a single structure, and some regions had as many as four distinct lines of fortifications.

The New Yorker

Its blades, shiny on one side, dull on the other, assisted groundskeepers in mowing the courts' distinct lines.

The New York Times - Sports

The scientific approach to politics developed during the 19th century along two distinct lines that still divide the discipline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His claim was backed up by Jon Matonis, one of the founding directors of the Bitcoin Foundation, who said he "had the opportunity to review the relevant data along three distinct lines: cryptographic, social, and technical".

The Guardian - Tech

"It goes back in history to two distinct lines in Muslim and particularly Shiite thought," said Sheik Shaibani, a 33-year-old cleric who runs the Islamic court in Najaf in defiance of the elder clergy.

The New York Times

Zuber felt comfortable immediately once spring training began, surprised when Bernie Williams and Derek Jeter would say hi -- "how's it going, Zubes" -- because there had always been distinct lines that were not crossed in the Phillies' caste system of veterans.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, with Clinton officially running and the Republican field nearly complete, the scattershot censure of the past few months has begun to coalesce into several reasonably distinct lines of attack.

The New Yorker

But a more leisurely inspection revealed that there are distinct lines of demarcation between its high-end stalls — spaces strung like pop-up shops along a northern wall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, use "distinct lines" to emphasize clarity and separation between components. This can enhance the reader's understanding of the design or layout.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct lines" when describing purely conceptual differences that lack a tangible or visual analogue. Opt for terms like "clear distinctions" or "marked differences" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct lines" functions primarily as a descriptive element, highlighting clear and easily perceivable separations or boundaries, whether physical or conceptual. Ludwig examples show usage in both technical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct lines" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote clear and easily distinguishable separations or boundaries. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and general contexts, serving to emphasize clarity and differentiation. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where tangible or visual separations are being described. Alternative phrases like "clear boundaries" or "separate lines" can be used when a more abstract or conceptual distinction is intended. With a source quality score of 82 and an expert rating of 4.5, its reliability and widespread acceptance are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear boundaries

Emphasizes the separation and definition between elements, similar to 'distinct lines' but focusing on the edge or limit.

separate lines

Highlights the state of being apart or not connected, akin to 'distinct lines' but stressing independence.

defined boundaries

Indicates that boundaries are clearly marked and not vague, mirroring the clarity implied by 'distinct lines'.

clear divisions

Focuses on the act of dividing and the resulting separate parts, similar to 'distinct lines' in implying separation.

sharp delineations

Suggests a precise and clear marking of boundaries, much like 'distinct lines' but with an emphasis on sharpness.

marked differences

Highlights notable differences that are easily observed, which is comparable to the separation suggested by 'distinct lines'.

obvious distinctions

Focuses on the clarity and ease of recognizing differences, akin to the recognizability implied by 'distinct lines'.

discernible differences

Emphasizes that differences can be easily perceived, which is similar to the clarity associated with 'distinct lines'.

well-defined features

Highlights the clarity and precision of features, similar to how 'distinct lines' may highlight visual or conceptual separations.

unambiguous boundaries

Stresses the clarity and lack of ambiguity in boundaries, conveying a similar sense of precision as 'distinct lines'.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinct lines" to describe clear separations or boundaries. For example: "The artist used "distinct lines" to separate the different elements of the composition".

What can I say instead of "distinct lines"?

Alternatives include "clear boundaries", "separate lines", or "defined boundaries" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "distinct lines" in formal writing?

Yes, "distinct lines" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing precise separations or differentiations. However, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's emphasis on clarity and definition.

In what contexts is "distinct lines" most commonly used?

"Distinct lines" is frequently used in contexts relating to visual arts, design, scientific research, and analyses where clear demarcations are important. This is supported by the variety of examples provided.