even in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable even when considering a specific situation or context, often implying a contrast or exception. Example: "She managed to stay calm even in line for hours during the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In short, the policy isn't even in line with popular opinion anymore.

The Guardian - Opinion

The private was even in line for a promotion, she said, before his sergeant called her Dec. 21.

The Washington Post

Right now, down payments are reasonably high on conforming mortgages, and maybe even in line with those on some jumbo mortgages.

The New York Times

It's by far the busiest Starbucks I've ever been in, with waits up to twenty minutes long, but I'm such a regular that the baristas frequently make my coffee before I'm even in line: decaf quad espresso ($3.21).

The New Yorker

"The current proposals are not consistent with what was agreed in Paris and they are not even in line with what's necessary to stay below 2C," he told the Guardian.

The Guardian

"For officials to make that call when they are not even in line with the play is disappointing".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

On two-lane Highway 1, logging trucks share the road with fancily attired long-distance bicyclists, with tourists, impatient local commuters and even in-line skaters in summer.

The New York Times - Travel

Loewe makes the verses surge and swirl, casting spells even in lines that read like throwaways.

The New York Times - Arts

Public concerts are virtually unheard of in this strict Muslim kingdom, and the sexes are segregated even in lines at fast-food outlets.

The New York Times

Even in lines with the most severe defects, the organization of the quiescent center and tissue layers at the root tips appears similar to wild-type, although meristematic, transition, and elongation zones are shorter.

BMC Plant Biology

"I don't dare even stand in line with the money I need to buy at the market," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even in line" to emphasize that something holds true despite a potentially conflicting or exceptional circumstance. For example, "Even in line at the busiest store, she remained patient."

Common error

Avoid using "even in line" when you simply mean "in line" or "aligned". The "even" adds a layer of surprise or unexpectedness that should be relevant to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even in line" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to add emphasis and highlight a contrast. It indicates that something holds true despite the circumstances of being physically or conceptually aligned. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even in line" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to add emphasis and highlight unexpected situations within a context of alignment or sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While suitable for various writing styles, it's important to use it when there's a genuine contrast or surprise to emphasize. Alternatives like "aligned with" or "consistent with" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Remember, the key is to leverage the phrase's emphasis effectively to enhance the message, as showcased across many Ludwig examples. The most authoritative and frequent sources that use it are The New York Times, The Guardian and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aligned with

Implies agreement or correspondence, shifting the focus from a literal line to a conceptual alignment.

consistent with

Focuses on agreement or lack of contradiction, offering a more formal tone than the original phrase.

in accordance with

Emphasizes adherence to rules or standards, providing a more structured connotation.

in agreement with

Highlights the aspect of concurrence or consensus, shifting the perspective to mutual understanding.

conforming to

Stresses compliance or obedience to a norm, rather than a literal line.

in compliance with

Highlights the act of obeying or adhering to specific regulations.

parallel to

Emphasizes similarity or correspondence while also retaining a sense of physical alignment, though less direct.

similar to

Focuses on resemblance or likeness, deviating from the original phrase's implication of sequence or order.

on par with

Highlights equivalence in quality, level, or status, diverging from the linear aspect of the original phrase.

harmonious with

Implies a pleasing or congruent relationship, departing from the literal line.

FAQs

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

You can use "even in line" to highlight a surprising or unexpected situation. For example, "Even in line for hours, she maintained a positive attitude."

What's the difference between "even in line" and "in line"?

"In line" simply means being part of a queue or conforming to something. "Even in line" adds emphasis, suggesting something unexpected is happening despite the circumstances of being in a queue or conforming.

What can I say instead of "even in line" to mean "consistent with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aligned with", "consistent with", or "in accordance with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "even in line" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "even in line" can be used in formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize a contrast or something unexpected within an established sequence or conformity. However, consider alternatives like "consistent with" for higher formality.