keep in line

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep in line" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to follow rules or maintain order and discipline. It can be used in various contexts, such as a teacher telling students to keep in line during a field trip, a boss reminding employees to keep in line with company policies, or a parent instructing a child to keep in line with family values. Example: "The new manager was determined to keep the chaotic workplace in line and improve overall productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are pressuring us to keep in line".

The Economist

It has promised to renew its efforts to keep in line with Chinese standards.

The Economist

But that's a renewable source of energy we need to keep in line.

The New York Times

As actors you find moments to keep in line with what the day is demanding.

The Guardian - Film

We have to develop our resources to keep in line with the current trends.

The Guardian

The military is not the only group of elites that Kim Jong-un must keep in line.

The New York Times

For Estela, Bergoglio did the bare minimum he had to do to keep in line with the black pope.

The Guardian

As Srnicek and Williams explain, having large numbers of people without secure work helps keep in line those with work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nerve damage has left his right leg shorter than his left, and wobbly and hard to keep in line.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As well as adhering to your followers' personalities, it's also important to keep in-line with your brand's personality.

The Guardian

These people must be kept in line.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep in line", consider the specific context. It can imply maintaining physical order (like in a marching band) or adhering to rules and guidelines. Choose the wording that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "keep in line" when a more precise term is needed. For instance, instead of saying "keep the project in line" consider more specific alternatives like "adhere to the project timeline" or "stay within the project budget" to clearly convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in line" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with an object to indicate who or what is being controlled or directed. Ludwig AI highlights its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its adaptable function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep in line" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that conveys the importance of maintaining order, following rules, or ensuring compliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and adaptable to various contexts, ranging from formal guidelines to casual instructions. Its usage spans across news, scientific writing, and general informative content, making it a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit. Remember to consider the specific context when using "keep in line" and, if needed, explore alternatives like "maintain order" or "ensure compliance" to achieve the desired nuance. When trying to ensure you are using it correctly, always consider more specific options that directly convey what you are trying to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain order

Focuses on the act of upholding a state of peace or regulated behavior.

follow guidelines

Emphasizes adherence to a set of rules or recommendations.

ensure compliance

Highlights the act of making sure something adheres to regulations or standards.

stay within bounds

Suggests remaining within acceptable limits or constraints.

toe the line

Implies conforming to a specific standard or policy, often under pressure.

abide by the rules

Highlights the action of obeying established regulations.

keep in check

Focuses on controlling or restraining something to prevent undesirable behavior.

stay on track

Suggests maintaining progress towards a goal without deviation.

remain disciplined

Emphasizes maintaining self-control and adherence to standards.

meet requirements

Highlights fulfilling necessary conditions or criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep in line" to describe maintaining order, following rules, or ensuring compliance. For example: "The teacher told the students to keep in line during the field trip" or "The company must trim costs to "keep in line with" financial fair play regulations".

What does it mean to "keep in line" with something?

To "keep in line" with something means to ensure your actions or standards align with specific requirements or guidelines. It implies conforming to established norms or regulations.

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

"Keep in line" and "keep on line" have different meanings. "Keep in line" means to maintain order or follow rules, while "keep on line" typically refers to keeping a device or system connected to the internet or a network. Ensure you use the correct phrase based on the context.

What are some alternatives to using "keep in line"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintain order", "follow guidelines", or "ensure compliance" to express the idea of maintaining order, following guidelines, or ensuring compliance.