in the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the line" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you are referring to a position in a queue, or a row of people or objects. For example: "We waited in line for over an hour to get into the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Come down and get in the line!

The New Yorker

There were eight rulers in the line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reeled in, the line holds a goldfish.

The New York Times

He died in the line of duty.

The New York Times

"They're starting confrontations in the line, right?

The Guardian

"If you're not in the line of sight, forget it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Solid in the line-out.

Independent

Kenny Everett is in the line-up.

The Guardian

Just as many readers wanted Blair in the line-up.

The Guardian - Business

Both of these players are pivotal in the line-out.

The Guardian - Sport

There were five Borussia Dortmund players in the line-up.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the line" to clearly indicate a position within a queue or ordered sequence, ensuring context makes the meaning explicit, whether referring to people, objects, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "in the line" when a more precise term like "in the queue" or "in formation" would better convey the intended meaning, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the line" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun. Ludwig provides examples where it indicates a physical position in a queue or a state of being exposed to danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the line" is a common prepositional phrase used to denote a position within a queue or a state of being at risk. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to choose the most precise term to avoid ambiguity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct in written English, making it a valuable tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the queue

Focuses specifically on waiting in an ordered sequence.

awaiting one's turn

Emphasizes the act of waiting for an opportunity or service.

in a row

Describes objects or people positioned sequentially.

in formation

Highlights an ordered arrangement, often military or ceremonial.

in sequence

Indicates a following order or arrangement.

on the waiting list

Specifically refers to being on a list to receive something later.

in direct succession

Emphasizes the immediate following of one thing after another.

in close order

Describes items or people being closely spaced in a line.

next in rotation

Suggests a cyclical order or schedule.

in the firing line

Implies being in a position of potential harm or criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the line" to describe a physical queue, such as "We waited in the line for hours". It can also refer to being in a position of risk, like "He was "in the line of fire" during the conflict".

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

"In the line" typically refers to a physical queue or a position within an ordered sequence. "In line", on the other hand, means to be in agreement or conformity with something, or forming a straight line.

What can I say instead of "in the line" when referring to waiting?

Alternatives include "in the queue", "waiting one's turn", or "on the waiting list", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "in the line" to mean "at risk"?

Yes, "in the line" can be used to imply risk or danger, similar to ""in the line of fire"". For instance, "Journalists are often "in the line of fire" when reporting from conflict zones".