drew a line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drew a line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate setting a boundary or limit, often in a figurative sense regarding behavior or actions. Example: "After the incident, she drew a line and made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But it drew a line.

Independent

He drew a line under Mexico.

The New Yorker

The Court drew a line: "Broadcasters perform.

Harvard University

"We drew a line in the sand.

The Guardian

"We drew a line in his last race.

The New York Times - Sports

"We drew a line in the sand," Mr. Walker said.

The New York Times

But he drew a line between politics and judicial philosophy.

The New York Times

He scribbled "OC" and drew a line underneath.

The New York Times - Sports

The owners drew a line in the sand.

The New Yorker

I drew a line around a map of Birmingham.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Bloomberg drew a line in the sand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drew a line" when you want to express that a clear and often firm distinction was made. It implies a deliberate act of separation.

Common error

Avoid using "drew a line" without specifying what exactly was being limited or distinguished. For instance, instead of saying "The company drew a line", specify "The company drew a line on expenses", which provides context and prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drew a line" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a sentence. It signifies the action of establishing a boundary, limit, or distinction, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drew a line" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate the establishment of a limit, boundary, or distinction. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its frequency in news and media indicates its broad applicability in describing decisions and boundaries. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial to ensure that the context of the limit or boundary is well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a boundary

Focuses on establishing a limit or border, similar to defining acceptable behavior or actions.

established a limit

Highlights the act of creating a restriction or maximum threshold, similar to defining what is permissible.

defined a boundary

Emphasizes the act of clearly marking a limit or dividing point.

set a limit

Highlights the act of imposing a restriction.

established a demarcation

Emphasizes a formal or official separation between two things.

distinguished between

Focuses on highlighting the differences between two or more things, setting them apart.

specified a constraint

Highlights the act of clearly stating a restriction or limitation.

marked a division

Highlights the act of creating a separation or dividing point.

created a distinction

Focuses on making a clear difference between two things.

formulated a border

Highlights the formulation of a border between two concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "drew a line" in a sentence?

You can use "drew a line" to indicate setting a boundary or limit. For example, "The manager "drew a line" and stated that no further overtime would be approved".

What does it mean to say someone "drew a line in the sand"?

To say someone "drew a line in the sand" means they have reached a point beyond which they will not compromise or concede any further.

What can I say instead of "drew a line"?

You can use alternatives like "set a boundary", "established a limit", or "defined a boundary" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "drew a line" or "drew a line in the sand"?

The choice depends on the context. "Drew a line" is more general, while "drew a line in the sand" implies a firm, non-negotiable stance.