fall out of line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall out of line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that deviates from expected behavior or standards. Example: "When he started to express his controversial opinions, he began to fall out of line with the group's beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Part of Excellence's strategy is to keep boys too busy to fall out of line.

The New York Times - Magazine

Regrettably, the developments surrounding this event led it to fall out of line with our beliefs as an organization.

The Washington Post

There were no problems when Boki collected his gold medal and Shudeyko does not expect any of his athletes to fall out of line.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr. Lewy maintains that the findings strongly support the theory that winter depression is a form of jet lag in which people's daily rhythms increasingly fall out of line with clock time when dawn is delayed.

The New York Times - Science

It is common knowledge that loyalist leaders can just as easily start trouble as end trouble in these neighborhoods, and people who fall out of line know the consequences, city and immigrant group leaders say.

The New York Times

Zahera Gabriel Abraham, 30, former worker, Croydon "If you happen to fall out of line, or your manager thinks you have not done very well that week, your hours just get cut – you feel like you are just at the beck and call of the people above you.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If you chose a wider image, it's okay if some of the image falls out-of-line.

WikiHow

Dad falls out of line and we follow him.

Stanford University

Recently, however, the New Republic has been falling out of line.

The New Yorker

Often, demand and supply falls out of line with changes in the value of the assets the investment trust owns.

The Guardian - Money

He is making some interesting points about corporate governance – it it is to work all newspapers need to pull together and ensure no-one falls out of line.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fall out of line", ensure the context clearly establishes what the expected standard or behavior is. This provides a clear reference point for the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "fall out of line" when simply describing someone making a mistake. This phrase implies a deliberate or noticeable deviation from an established norm, not just a simple error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall out of line" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a deviation from an established standard, norm, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting how it describes something or someone that no longer conforms to the expected behavior or alignment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "fall out of line" signifies a deviation from an established standard or norm. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki and Academia. The phrase functions to express that something or someone no longer meets expectations, and maintains a neutral register suited to a range of communication. Related phrases include "deviate from the norm" and "stray from the path". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the expected behavior or standard. Avoid using it for simple mistakes, as it implies a deliberate or noticeable deviation. The phrase is generally considered grammatically correct and useful in describing a variety of situations where something strays from what is considered acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from the norm

Indicates a departure from standard or expected behavior. This alternative shifts the focus to what is considered normal.

get out of step

Indicates a lack of coordination or agreement with others. The change highlights the lack of synchronicity.

stray from the path

Suggests a departure from a correct or intended course. It's more metaphorical than "fall out of line".

become noncompliant

Emphasizes a failure to adhere to rules or expectations, often in a formal setting. It has a more legalistic connotation.

become misaligned

Focuses on a lack of proper arrangement or connection. This is more suitable for technical contexts.

step out of bounds

Implies exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries. It has a spatial metaphor that the original phrase doesn't explicitly have.

violate protocol

Highlights a breach of established procedures or rules, emphasizing the formality of the setting.

go astray

Suggests wandering from what is right or desirable. This alternative is less direct and more suggestive.

transgress standards

Signifies exceeding the limits of accepted norms, rules, or laws and changes the focus to the concept of standards.

infringe regulations

Highlights a violation of formal rules and the emphasis of regulations.

FAQs

How can I use "fall out of line" in a sentence?

You can use "fall out of line" to describe someone or something that deviates from accepted behavior or standards. For example, "The company's profits began to "fall out of line" with projections after the new regulations were introduced."

What's the difference between ""fall out of line"" and "deviate from the norm"?

"Fall out of line" suggests a more noticeable or deliberate departure from expected behavior, while "deviate from the norm" is a more general term for not conforming to what is typical.

What can I say instead of "fall out of line"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deviate from the norm", "stray from the path", or "become noncompliant".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fall out of line"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize a departure from established rules, standards, or expectations, often implying a negative consequence or judgment.