kept in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of maintaining control or discipline over someone or something. Example: "The teacher ensured that all the students were kept in line during the field trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These people must be kept in line.

The New York Times

Why should their wages be kept in line with inflation?

The Guardian - Opinion

They are kept in line by the dominant – often domineering – figure of Lafontaine.

The Guardian - Opinion

reporters in Washington are kept in line by the standard threat: annoy us, and your stories dry up.

The Guardian

Today, the Genoa protesters were closely kept in line by hundreds of riot policemen and armored vans.

The New York Times

*** Dune is set in a far future, where warring noble houses are kept in line by a ruthless galactic emperor.

The Guardian - Books

In the end, Mr. Gardner and Mr. Rahman said, Italy is likely to be kept in line more by the financial markets than by Brussels itself.

The New York Times

With President Bush's approval ratings at or near their lows, the party is no longer being kept in line by the White House.

The New York Times

Filthy and underfed, they are kept in line by black-helmeted thugs who protect the swells in the first few cars.

The New Yorker

But he said that people were kept in line through "fear and a false image of patriotism," which he described as "obedience to authority".

The New York Times

Finally, there was ferment and the threat of revolt among the great nobles, who had been kept in line by the firm hand of Philip Augustus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept in line", consider the power dynamics implied. Ensure it aligns with the intended message, as it suggests a level of control or authority being exerted.

Common error

Avoid using "kept in line" when a more collaborative or empowering term is appropriate. The phrase can suggest dominance or a lack of autonomy, which might not be suitable in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in line" functions as a passive construction describing the state of being controlled or regulated. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights the result of an external force maintaining order or compliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept in line" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of maintaining control or order. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the connotation of control and consider alternative phrases like "maintained order" or "brought under control" if a less authoritarian tone is desired. By understanding the nuances and contexts in which "kept in line" is used, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought under control

Suggests a prior state of disorder being rectified, whereas "kept in line" implies continuous maintenance.

supervised closely

Highlights the act of monitoring, but doesn't necessarily imply the same level of intervention as "kept in line".

maintained order

Focuses on the act of preserving order, differing from "kept in line" by emphasizing the result rather than the process.

exercised control over

Directly indicates the exertion of control, lacking the nuance of subtle management implied by "kept in line".

enforced compliance

Emphasizes the use of authority to ensure obedience, shifting the focus from guidance to enforcement compared to "kept in line".

regulated behavior

Refers to the governance of conduct, which may involve establishing rules rather than direct influence as in "kept in line".

held accountable

Highlights responsibility and consequences for actions, unlike "kept in line" which emphasizes preventative control.

managed effectively

Focuses on efficient oversight and direction, differing from the potentially restrictive connotation of "kept in line".

adhered to guidelines

Emphasizes following rules, shifting the agency from an external controller to self-regulation compared to "kept in line".

stayed within boundaries

Highlights the respect of limitations, differing from "kept in line" by focusing on self-imposed control.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept in line" to describe how someone or something is controlled or managed. For example: "The warring noble houses were "kept in line" by a ruthless galactic emperor."

What are some alternatives to "kept in line"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "maintained order", "enforced compliance", or "brought under control".

What does it mean to be "kept in line"?

To be "kept in line" means to be controlled or managed so that one behaves according to rules or expectations. It often implies a power dynamic where someone or something is being regulated.

Is "kept in line" a formal or informal expression?

"Kept in line" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider the connotation of control it carries. In more formal settings, alternatives like "held accountable" might be more appropriate.