draw a line between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw a line between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to illustrate the distinction between two separate topics or ideas. For example, you could say, "The teacher drew a line between the students who had done the homework and those who had not."

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stress tests draw a line between good and bad banks.

The New Yorker

It must draw a line between control and abuse.

Independent

We should draw a line between undue appreciation and much needed encouragement.

University of California, Berkeley

Think they'll be able to draw a line between what's acceptable and what's not?

The New York Times - Sports

There is nowhere to draw a line between "responsible" religions and unfounded superstitions.

The Guardian

It is difficult to draw a line between student issues and wider political campaigns.

The Guardian

She also tried to draw a line between nuclear proliferation and the peace process.

The New York Times

"They are trying to draw a line between North Korea's military program and civilian trade.

The New Yorker

But it's often difficult to draw a line between poverty and neglect.

The New Yorker

So how do you draw a line between professionalism and compromise?

The New Yorker

In other words: how to draw a line between danger and despair.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to emphasize the creation of a clear moral or conceptual boundary, especially when the two subjects are often confused or merged.

Common error

Avoid saying 'draw lines between' when you are referring to a single distinction. The idiomatic expression is singular, as it refers to a specific point of separation.

Linguistic Context

As a verb phrase, "draw a line between" functions to establish a figurative or literal boundary. Ludwig data confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used in complex sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "draw a line between" is a robust and highly recommended idiom for any writer looking to clarify a distinction. Ludwig AI reveals its heavy usage in prestigious journalistic and academic outlets, proving its reliability. Whether you are discussing the nuances of international policy or simple everyday choices, this phrase provides a clear mental image of separation. While formal synonyms like differentiate between exist, the main query remains a standard choice for its metaphorical resonance and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw a distinction between

Shifts focus from a boundary to a specific difference in character or quality.

make a distinction between

Uses a different verb to express the same conceptual separation.

differentiate between

A more formal and direct verb often used in technical or analytical contexts.

distinguish between

Emphasizes the ability to perceive or recognize the differences themselves.

draw a boundary between

Reinforces the spatial or structural metaphor of separation.

delineate between

Suggests a more precise or detailed description of the dividing line.

separate

The most basic and literal way to describe division.

set a boundary between

Implies a more active or intentional act of establishing limits.

establish a demarcation between

Very formal and often used in geopolitical or highly technical discourse.

discriminate between

Often used when the distinction requires careful judgment or fine-tuned perception.

FAQs

How to use "draw a line between" in a sentence?

You can use it to clarify differences, such as: "The law must "draw a line between" free speech and incitement."

What is the difference between "draw a line between" and "draw a distinction between"?

While both mean to separate two things, "draw a distinction between" is often more academic, whereas the query phrase is more idiomatic.

Can I use "differentiate between" instead of "draw a line between"?

Yes, "differentiate between" is a perfect synonym, especially in scientific or technical writing where a single verb is preferred.

What can I say instead of "draw a line between"?

Depending on your context, you might choose "distinguish between", "make a distinction between", or "separate".