landline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "landline" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a traditional telephone that is connected to a physical line, as opposed to a mobile phone. Example: "Please call me on my landline if you need to reach me during the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I get a lot of these calls – I still use a landline, because mobile reception is hopeless in my flat.

The Guardian - Money

I can only speak from experience, but when I used to answer my grandmother's endlessly ringing landline, when she found the calls increasingly confusing, I did not feel warmly towards the cold callers.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were speaking on the landline in the Hark to Bounty pub, as there is no mobile phone reception on the moors.

The Guardian

The Ofcom data shows it is the most improved firm, but it continues to receive the highest number of complaints among landline operators.

The Guardian - Money

Lawyers for the victims pieced together a picture of hacking at Mirror Group using evidence including landline call data, expenses receipts for pay-as-you-go telephones, internal emails from the Sunday Mirror and the People and witness statements from former exployees including Evans and ex-reporters James Hipwell and David Brown.

The Guardian

Pre-mobile, Bob Hoskins's It's Good to Talk was the last hurrah of BT's retreating landline empire.

The Guardian

To account for respondents who don't have landline telephones, 80% of interviews were conducted over the phone and 20% via internet.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought they were over in the way pounds, shillings and pence are over and knowing friends' landline numbers off by heart is over.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When we switched our landline from TalkTalk to EE in early March, no one could phone us on our old number.

The Guardian - Money

EVER noticed how people speak louder when using a mobile phone, even if they usually mumble on a landline or in person?

The Economist

These cost 75p from a BT landline, more from a mobile phone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing telecommunications or surveying methods, specify "landline" to differentiate from mobile phones or internet-based communication.

Common error

Avoid using "landline" when you mean any type of phone. "Landline" specifically refers to phones connected by physical wires, not mobile or VoIP phones.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "landline" is a noun, referring to a telephone connected to the public switched telephone network via physical wires. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a commonly used term to differentiate from mobile phones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "landline" refers to a traditional telephone connected via physical wires, as opposed to a mobile or wireless phone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and very commonly used term. The phrase appears frequently in various contexts, including news, business, and scientific discussions. When writing, use "landline" to specifically differentiate from other types of phone connections. Some alternatives include "fixed telephone line" and "home phone". A common mistake is using the term generically when referring to all phone services, which should be avoided to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fixed telephone line

Emphasizes the physical connection of the phone line.

Fixed-line telephone

A more formal way of saying "landline".

Wired phone

Highlights the wired connection as opposed to wireless.

Hardwired telephone

Stresses the physical wiring of the telephone system.

Home phone

Focuses on the location where the phone is typically used.

Main telephone line

Indicates the primary or original phone line in a location.

Traditional phone line

Indicates a conventional telephone service before mobile phones became widespread.

Residential phone service

Focuses on the service aspect and its use in homes.

Corded phone

Specifies the presence of a physical cord connecting the phone.

POTS line

Technical term referring to Plain Old Telephone Service.

FAQs

How can I use "landline" in a sentence?

You can use "landline" to specify a traditional phone connected by wires, for example: "I still use a landline because mobile reception is poor in my area."

What is the difference between "landline" and mobile phone?

A "landline" is a telephone that transmits signals through physical wires, while a mobile phone uses wireless technology to connect to a cellular network.

What can I say instead of "landline"?

You can use alternatives like "fixed telephone line", "home phone", or "wired phone" depending on the context.

Why are landlines still used when mobile phones are so common?

Some people still use landlines because they offer reliable service during power outages or in areas with poor mobile reception. Additionally, landlines are sometimes preferred for emergency calls due to their traceable location.