keeping the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping the line" is not commonly used in written English and may require additional context to be fully understood.
It can be used in contexts related to maintaining communication or a connection, such as in a conversation or a relationship. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we made an effort to keep the line open between us."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But if E.T. does call, SETI still faces a challenge in keeping the line open: $200,000 is nowhere near enough to keep SETI operating for long.

Science Magazine

"It's all about keeping the line clear," he says.

The Guardian - Books

"Guys are keeping the line moving," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

Carry straight on, keeping the line of the hedge to your right.

The Guardian - Travel

Men my age take an almost generational pride in keeping the line between adult and adolescent behavior vague and woolly.

The New York Times

"There's going to be some pain," he added, "but it's the price of keeping the line running".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Keeping the lines of communication about internet use open will also help you to keep tabs on what your kids are up to without constantly having to micromanage them.

WikiHow

Eavis added that Glastonbury will be continuing its tradition of keeping the line-up "musically as open as possible", so another surprise like Kanye West should not be ruled out.

Independent

Keeping the lines of communication open is vital, he said.

The Guardian

But keeping the lines of communication open and the dialogue open, that's a good thing".

The New York Times

"My business is keeping the lines between fact and fiction clear".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeping the line", consider the specific context to ensure clarity. If you mean maintaining communication, alternatives like "maintaining communication" might be more direct.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping the line" when you actually mean "maintaining boundaries" or "ensuring smooth operation". This phrase is versatile, but context is key to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping the line" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a larger clause. It describes an action of maintaining, preserving, or continuing something, be it a physical line, a process, or a state of communication. Ludwig shows its flexibility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping the line" is a versatile phrase with several potential meanings, primarily related to maintaining something—be it a boundary, a process, or communication. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not frequently used in written English. While grammatically acceptable and commonly found in news and media, alternatives might offer more clarity depending on the context. When writing, consider if "maintaining communication", "preserving the boundary", or another similar phrase might be more precise. Though it maintains a neutral register, its informality is influenced by the context in which it's deployed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining communication

Emphasizes the act of keeping the channels of information open.

keeping the process active

Focuses on keeping a sequence of actions ongoing

maintaining the connection

Focuses on sustaining a relationship or link.

preserving the distinction

Focuses on maintaining a clear difference between two things.

preserving the boundary

Emphasizes upholding a limit or distinction.

sustaining the flow

Emphasizes the act of maintaining a consistent process or movement.

continuing the operation

Highlights the act of sustaining an activity or process.

continuing the production

Highlights the act of keeping a manufacturing process active.

keeping things running smoothly

Focuses on preventing interruptions and ensuring efficiency.

holding the position

Implies defending a stance or physical location.

FAQs

What does "keeping the line" mean?

"Keeping the line" can have several meanings depending on the context. It can refer to maintaining a boundary, continuing a process, or preserving communication. Context is crucial for understanding its intended meaning.

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

You might use "keeping the line" in sentences like, "The biggest challenge with Jack in his job training has been "keeping the line moving"" or "It's all about "keeping the line clear"".

What can I say instead of "keeping the line"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "maintaining communication", "preserving the boundary", or "continuing the operation".

Is "keeping the line" formal or informal?

The formality of "keeping the line" depends on the context. It appears in news articles, technical documents, and casual writing, so it can be considered neutral to slightly informal. Using "maintaining communication" may sound more formal.