in line

USAGE SUMMARY

"in line" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean "in agreement" with something or to refer to something being "in order." For example, you could say, “We are all in line with the plan to launch the new product next month.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

See you in line.

Independent

I got in line.

The New York Times - Magazine

We waited in line.

The New York Times

So get in line.

The New York Times

Be the first in line.

The New York Times

In line with social conservatives?

The New York Times

I'll be first in line!

The New Yorker

I was fifth in line.

The New York Times - Magazine

No one was in line.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The technique is called in-line deduplication.

The New York Times

Use in-line comments.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in line" to indicate agreement or conformity, ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is aligning with. For example, "The project is in line with our strategic goals."

Common error

Avoid using "in line" when a more precise term is necessary. For example, instead of saying "The results are in line," specify if they are "consistent", "similar", or "identical" depending on the actual findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in line" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a state of agreement, conformity, or sequential order, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in line" is a versatile and frequently used expression denoting agreement, conformity, or sequential order. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure the context clarifies what "in line" refers to, and avoid using it when a more specific term would enhance clarity. Common alternatives include "in agreement" and "in accordance with", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in agreement

Indicates a state of concord or consensus, focusing on the agreement aspect.

in accordance with

Highlights compliance with rules or standards, emphasizing adherence.

consistent with

Highlights the consistency or compatibility with something else.

in sequence

Emphasizes the order or arrangement, applicable when referring to a queue or series.

conforming to

Implies adherence to a norm or standard, similar to 'in accordance with'.

next up

Suggests the subsequent item or person in a series, often used informally.

in conformity with

A more formal way of saying 'conforming to', indicating a stricter adherence.

following the rules

Directly states adherence to rules, less nuanced than "in line".

abiding by

Similar to 'in accordance with', but often implies a moral or ethical component.

in a queue

Specifically refers to waiting in a line or order.

FAQs

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

You can use "in line" to mean 'in agreement' or 'following a sequence'. For example, 'The budget is "in line with" our expectations' or 'Please stand "in the line" to purchase tickets'.

What's the difference between "in line" and "in accordance with"?

"In line" generally suggests agreement or conformity, while "in accordance with" specifically implies adherence to rules or standards. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "in line with" or "on line with"?

"In line with" is the correct and more common phrase to indicate agreement or conformity. "On line with" is less frequent and usually refers to physical alignment or being connected online.

What are some alternatives to "in line" when referring to a queue?

When referring to a queue, you can use phrases like "waiting in line", "standing in queue", or "next in line".