in a column

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a column" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the arrangement of text, data, or objects vertically in a structured format, such as in tables or lists. Example: "The data was organized in a column for easier comparison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those doubts were most cogently put by George F. Will in a column a week ago.

Huffington Post

In a column headed Oprah!

The Guardian - Books

The flames rose in a column.

The Washington Post

Read Tracey Emin's Life in a Column.

Independent

We may contact you for possible inclusion in a column.

The New York Times

We may include your response in a column.

The New York Times

"Downright bored," Newsweek observed in a column afterward.

The New York Times

In a column in the spring in The Concord (N.H).

The New York Times - Sports

I've been hoping to plug it in a column.

The New York Times

"I eventually wrote some groveling thing in a column".

The New York Times

First, it was easier to pack it in a column.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a column" to clearly indicate a vertical arrangement of text, data, or objects, especially when describing tables, lists, or layouts.

Common error

Avoid using "in a column" when you actually mean "in a row". Columns are vertical, while rows are horizontal. Double-check your spatial reference to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a column" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the location or arrangement of something. Ludwig shows examples ranging from data organization to writing contexts, where it specifies how information is presented or where something is located.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a column" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe vertical arrangements across various contexts, from data presentation to journalistic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. When writing, ensure you use "in a column" to accurately depict vertical alignment, avoiding confusion with horizontal arrangements described as "in a row". Alternatives include "vertically aligned" or ""in a vertical list"", offering ways to refine your descriptions. With its frequent use in news, science, and academic fields, mastering "in a column" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within a vertical list

Specifies the structure as a list.

in vertical arrangement

Emphasizes the type of arrangement used.

in a vertical row

Suggests arrangement in a row that's oriented vertically.

vertically aligned

Focuses on the alignment aspect, rather than the container.

stacked vertically

Highlights stacking in a vertical orientation.

listed one below the other

Descriptive alternative emphasizing visual positioning.

presented in a list format

Focuses on format of presentation rather than just the verticality.

arranged in tiers

Implies a stacked or hierarchical arrangement.

in a ranked order

Suggests a specific order based on ranking.

in single file

Suggests objects following one another in a line.

FAQs

How can I use "in a column" to describe data presentation?

When data is presented vertically, you can say it's "in a column". For instance, "The sales figures are listed "in a column" for easy comparison."

What does "in a column" mean in the context of writing?

In writing, "in a column" often refers to an article or opinion piece that is part of a regular series in a publication. For example, "He shared his personal experiences "in a column" for the local newspaper."

Is there a more formal way to say "in a column"?

Depending on the context, you could use more formal phrases such as "vertically aligned", "arranged vertically", or "presented "in a vertical list"".

How does "in a column" differ from "in a row"?

"In a column" refers to a vertical arrangement, while "in a row" signifies a horizontal arrangement. It's crucial to use the correct term to accurately describe the layout.