line

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mark connecting two points, a group of people or objects, a course of action, or a way of thinking. For example, "The teacher wrote a line on the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Music

Opinion

Business

Arts

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the 'black vote' votes it will clearly push someone over the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, a Labour government will raise them at least in line with inflation in every budget".

The Guardian

"It's a fine line".

The New York Times

She purred down the line".

The Guardian

That's a red line".

The Guardian

For me, it was while trying to pre-board an overcrowded flight to Miami with a noisy baby in my arms, only to be ordered back in line by a curt agent.

The Economist

Woods is too big a name for his sponsors to simply abandon him, even though Gatorade has discontinued its Tiger line (for other reasons, it says).

The Economist

There's a fine line with that".

The New York Times - Sports

It dates back to 1967 when Lauren designed a line of neck ties and the success can be put down to the brand's eclectic nature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bluf Stands for "bottom line up front" – a request from NSA analysts to collect less data from the Muscular program (see below) because it is of no intelligence value.

The Guardian

There is no evidence of the preliminary tentative mark, of the initial hesitant touch of the pencil or crayon that would allow the artist to get his bearings and select the position for the first expressive line.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business or political contexts, "line" often refers to a policy or position. Use it to clearly indicate a stance or course of action.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "line", which refers to a straight or curved mark, a row, or a policy, with "lane", which typically refers to a division of a road or a specific path.

Linguistic Context

The word "line" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a physical mark, a row of people or objects, or an abstract boundary. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Music

10%

Opinion

8%

Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "line" is a versatile term with diverse applications, ranging from physical marks to abstract concepts like boundaries and policies. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence across various contexts—including News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle—underscores its widespread utility. While generally neutral in formality, awareness of specific contexts is crucial to ensure accurate and effective communication. Remember to avoid confusion with similar terms like "lane". By considering these guidelines, writers can confidently and correctly employ "line" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

row

Focuses on the arrangement of objects or people in a linear formation.

queue

Emphasizes an ordered sequence of people or things waiting.

series

Highlights a continuous sequence or succession.

cord

Refers to a thin, flexible material made of twisted strands.

cable

Indicates a thick wire or bundle of wires used for carrying electricity or signals.

boundary

Stresses the outer limit or edge of something.

contour

Highlights the outline or shape of something.

limit

Emphasizes a point beyond which something cannot or may not pass.

streak

Focuses on a long, thin mark or band.

sequence

Highlights a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other.

FAQs

How to use "line" in a sentence?

You can use "line" to refer to a physical mark, such as "Draw a straight line". It can also denote a queue, as in "Stand in line". In business, it can refer to a product range, such as "a new line of cosmetics".

What can I say instead of "line" when referring to a queue?

Alternatives include "queue", "row", or "file", depending on the context. For example, "Please form a "queue"" or "Stand in a "row"".

Which is correct: "in line" or "inline"?

"In line" (two words) typically means conforming to or in accordance with something, or physically aligned in a row. "Inline" (one word) is often used in technical contexts, such as "inline skates" or "inline code".

What does it mean to "cross the line"?

To "cross the line" means to exceed acceptable boundaries or limits. It often refers to behavior that is inappropriate or offensive. For example, "His joke crossed the "line" and offended many people".