firm line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and strong boundary or stance on an issue. Example: "The company has taken a firm line on its policy regarding remote work, ensuring that all employees adhere to the guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her mouth drew a firm line.

The New Yorker

She takes a firm line.

The Guardian - Books

And she drew a firm line against answering certain questions.

The New York Times

There's no firm line from A to B in there.

The Washington Post

The founders of Kickstarter say they draw a firm line between a project and a business.

The New York Times - Tech

Officially, the software giant has taken a firm line against piracy.

The Economist

"The idea is to stick to a firm line," the aide said.

Independent

In turning down Arcandor she is drawing a firm line on bail-outs.

The Economist

She drew a firm line in 2005 when she learned she had the disease.

The New York Times - Sports

Elsewhere, the French President, François Hollande, presented a firm line on Greece.

Independent

And that mainly means America.A firm line but an open doorIn this section Perfect?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "strict boundary", "decisive stance", or "unwavering position" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

While "firm line" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or rigid in casual conversation. Consider more relaxed alternatives, or simply rephrasing the sentence to convey the same meaning with less formal language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb (e.g., "draw a firm line", "take a firm line"). It describes a definite boundary or a strong, unwavering position on a particular issue or matter, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm line" is a widely used noun phrase that signifies a clear and strong boundary or stance on an issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media sources, making it suitable for formal and professional contexts. When using "firm line", be sure the context clearly establishes the boundary or stance. While highly common, explore related alternatives, such as "strict boundary" or "decisive stance", to tailor your writing to the appropriate tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict boundary

Emphasizes the restrictive aspect of a defined limit.

decisive stance

Focuses on the resolute nature of the position taken.

unwavering position

Highlights the steadfast and unchanging nature of the stance.

hard line

Indicates a more severe or inflexible approach.

clear demarcation

Stresses the clarity and distinctness of the separation.

definite boundary

Focuses on the clarity of the limit that is established.

strong stance

Highlights the forcefulness and conviction behind the position.

resolute approach

Emphasizes the determined and unwavering nature of the method.

fixed limit

Highlights that the limit is not subject to change.

inflexible rule

Suggests a rigid and unyielding regulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "firm line" to describe a clear boundary or stance, as in "The company took a firm line on data security" or "She drew a firm line against any further negotiations".

What phrases are similar to "firm line"?

Alternatives include "strict boundary", "decisive stance", or "unwavering position", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "firm line" appropriate for all writing styles?

While generally acceptable, "firm line" tends to be more suitable for formal or professional contexts. Consider the tone and audience of your writing to determine if a less formal alternative might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "firm line" and "hard line"?

While both suggest a strong stance, "hard line" implies a more severe or uncompromising approach, often with negative connotations. "Firm line" is generally more neutral, simply indicating a clear and resolute boundary.