draw lines

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw lines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action in which someone uses a writing utensil to create a line on a surface. For example, "I used a ruler to draw lines on the graph paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But one has to draw lines.

The New York Times

Artists do not draw lines between abstraction and figuration.

The Guardian - Arts

The data can then be searched and linked, with charts that draw lines to illustrate interconnections.

The New York Times

When people draw lines between themselves and other people, it is just one big mistake".

The New York Times

"It's very difficult to draw lines between social media and the less wholesome uses," he says.

The Guardian

Should we draw lines – not just figuratively, but literally – as per Lucy?

The Guardian

The commission would draw lines based on such factors as population, not party affiliation.

The New York Times

You can also draw lines through my face.

TechCrunch

Having sought to draw lines at sea, Beijing is now seeking to draw lines in the air.

BBC

Each pin is individually raisable, allowing the bot to draw lines of varying thicknesses.

TechCrunch

(If there were a bird in the sky, he'd draw lines there, too).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw lines" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to establishing boundaries, making distinctions, or illustrating connections.

Common error

Avoid using "draw lines" in contexts where the intended meaning is ambiguous. If you're referring to abstract boundaries or distinctions, consider using more specific terms like "establish limits" or "define boundaries" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw lines" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating lines, whether literally with a tool or figuratively to represent boundaries or connections. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

33%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw lines" is a versatile verb phrase with both literal and figurative applications. It's grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While primarily employed in Wiki and News & Media contexts, its applicability spans various domains. When using the phrase, ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity between its literal and figurative senses. Alternative phrases such as "create boundaries" or "define limits" may provide greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create boundaries

Emphasizes the act of establishing limits or borders, both literally and figuratively.

define limits

Focuses on setting clear restrictions or parameters.

mark boundaries

Highlights the action of indicating the edges or borders of something.

delineate borders

A more formal way of saying "draw lines", implying a precise definition of boundaries.

establish limits

Similar to 'define limits', but with a focus on setting up the limits.

set parameters

Suggests defining the constraints or conditions for something.

outline areas

Focuses on creating a visual representation of areas.

trace figures

Relates to the physical act of drawing around shapes or figures.

map out

Implies planning or outlining a course of action or strategy.

plot courses

Similar to 'map out', but more specifically refers to charting a route or path.

FAQs

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

The phrase "draw lines" can be used literally, as in "The artist used charcoal to draw lines on the canvas", or figuratively, as in "It's important to draw lines between work and personal life".

What does it mean to "draw lines in the sand"?

To "draw lines in the sand" is an idiom that means to set a limit or ultimatum, indicating a point beyond which one will not compromise. It implies a firm stance on a particular issue.

Which is correct, "draw lines" or "drawing lines"?

Both "draw lines" and "drawing lines" are correct, but they serve different grammatical functions. "Draw lines" is often used as an infinitive or imperative, while "drawing lines" is a gerund or present participle. For example, "We need to draw lines" versus "He is drawing lines".

What can I say instead of "draw lines" when referring to setting boundaries?

You can use alternatives like "create boundaries", "define limits", or "establish limits" depending on the context.