line by line

USAGE SUMMARY

"line by line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the process of going through something piece by piece. For example, "I read the instructions line by line to make sure I understood them correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Line by Line," by Lori Glavin.

The New York Times

We checked, line by line.

The Washington Post

Here's how we checked, line by line.

The Washington Post

Try translating the abstract line by line into plain English.

University of California, Berkeley

Function readline can read file line by line.

Columbia University

School reports are scrutinised line by line for subtle clues.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

So let's look at Comey's statements, line-by-line.

The Guardian - Opinion

Specific, line-by-line complaints are due a week later.

The New York Times

Description: Handwritten line-by-line English translation of a Northern Pomo text about Old Bear Woman.

University of California, Berkeley

She read everything line-by-line, page-by-page.

Huffington Post

I write like a poet does; I write line-by-line and then make small tweaks.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "line by line" to describe a review process, specify the type of document or code being reviewed for clarity (e.g., "review the contract line by line").

Common error

Avoid using "line by line" when you actually mean a general overview. This phrase implies a very detailed, granular examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line by line" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is performed. It indicates a detailed, sequential, and thorough approach, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where scripts are reviewed or code is analyzed "line by line".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "line by line" is a common and correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize a meticulous and detailed approach. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using "line by line", ensure that it accurately reflects the level of scrutiny being applied, and consider related phrases like "step by step" or "in detail" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Focuses on the incremental nature of the process, emphasizing the sequence of actions.

point by point

Highlights a focus on individual items within a larger discussion or argument.

item by item

Emphasizes the individual handling of discrete components in a process.

in detail

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness of the examination or description.

one by one

Focuses on the sequential handling of multiple elements, often implying a sense of order.

measure by measure

Highlights detailed attention to each unit of a given quantity or parameter.

bit by bit

Underscores the gradual accumulation of progress through small increments.

stage by stage

Implies an organized progression with defined phases or milestones.

piece by piece

Highlights the assembly or analysis of a whole from its individual components.

section by section

Suggests a structured approach to a larger document or system, dividing it into manageable units.

FAQs

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

You can use "line by line" to describe a detailed examination or translation, for example: "The contract was reviewed "line by line" to identify potential issues".

What's a good alternative to "line by line"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "step by step", "point by point", or "in detail" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "line by line" or "verse by verse" when analyzing poetry?

While both phrases imply a sequential approach, "line by line" is a more general term. "Verse by verse" is specifically used for analyzing poetry or song lyrics, making it more appropriate in that context.

When is it appropriate to use "line by line"?

"Line by line" is appropriate when you want to emphasize a methodical and thorough approach to examining, translating, or building something, ensuring that every detail is considered.