inoperative line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inoperative line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a line, such as a line of code, a line in a document, or a line in a communication, is not functioning or is ineffective. Example: "The system reported an inoperative line in the code, which caused the program to crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And out near the end of the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line (also inoperative), the Tara-like Camellia generationse generatiofs of excited debutantes ate hamburgers when the last notes of the last quadrille had died away, might have cooked its last patty.

The New York Times - Food

In contrast, this mechanism was inoperative in a fibroblast cell line that did not assemble extensive heterochromatin during senescence.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The three other unions made clear their lack of sympathy by offering to sign independ ently, but the carriers rightly pointed out that the agreement would be inoperative unless all the unions came into line.

The New York Times

Officials also agreed that responders must be properly trained and deployed, provided with proper protective gear and an effective communications system (land lines and cell phones were inoperative in much of the area for weeks after Katrina).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Companies were labeled inoperative if websites were deactivated and phone lines were disconnected, company representatives reported that they were no longer accepting clients and had halted operations, they had lost their status as federally incorporated companies, or seven phone calls and/or emails failed to generate any response.

Globalization and Health

In contrast, FGFRs can be rendered inoperative or constitutively active depending on the structural modification.

ACS Chemical Biology

All IRT trains except those on the Flushing line are equipped with two‐way radios, but many have been rendered inoperative by vandalism and theft.

The New York Times

The smartphone maker recently kicked off a repair programme for the so-called touch disease affecting the iPhone 6 Plus, which starts as a thin grey line on the display and eventually renders the phone's touchscreen inoperative.

The Guardian - Tech

Another tax protester argument centers upon the pending and inoperative Titles of Nobility Amendment.

Wikipedia

The remaining 179 patients with inoperative NSCLC had the initial assessment after the first two courses of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy: 37 achieved PR and 117 were regarded as SD and these 154 patients (PR + SD) were eligible for the final analysis.

BMC Cancer

Many residents and business owners said they believed that the inoperative bridge had increased response times for emergency vehicles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inoperative line", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of "line" you are referring to (e.g. a phone line, a data line, a production line) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "inoperative line" when a more specific term like "disconnected line" or "faulty line" would provide clearer information about the cause of the problem. Using more precise language enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inoperative line" functions as a descriptive term, combining an adjective ("inoperative") with a noun ("line") to indicate that a particular line (e.g. a phone line, a production line) is not functioning or operational. According to Ludwig, this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inoperative line" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a line that is not functioning. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase, while not very common, is appropriate for use in diverse contexts, from news reports to technical discussions. Related alternatives include "non-functioning line" and "defective line", each offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the type of line you're referring to. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various professional and general communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Non-functioning line

Replaces "inoperative" with "non-functioning", providing a more direct synonym.

Defective line

Suggests a flaw or fault causing the line to be inoperative.

Faulty line

Similar to "defective line", indicating a problem that prevents proper operation.

Out-of-order line

Commonly used for equipment or systems that are temporarily not working.

Disconnected line

Implies a physical or logical break in the line, causing it to stop functioning.

Inactive line

Indicates the line is not currently in use or operation.

Unserviceable line

Suggests the line is beyond repair or not suitable for use.

Disabled line

Indicates the line has been intentionally deactivated or made non-operational.

Unusable line

Highlights that the line cannot be used for its intended purpose.

Broken line

A simple and direct way to state that the line is not working due to damage or malfunction.

FAQs

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

You can use "inoperative line" to describe a phone line that isn't working, or a line of code that is not functional. For example, "The customer service representative informed me that my phone line was currently "inoperative"".

What are some alternatives to "inoperative line"?

Some alternatives to "inoperative line" include "non-functioning line", "defective line", or "faulty line". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "inoperative line" formal or informal language?

"Inoperative line" is generally considered neutral to formal. It can be used in professional, technical, and general contexts without sounding out of place. Simpler terms like "broken line" are more informal.

What's the difference between "inoperative line" and "disconnected line"?

"Inoperative line" is a general term indicating that a line is not functioning. "Disconnected line" specifically suggests that the line has been physically or logically severed, leading to its "inoperative" status.