line in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific line or statement that is being discussed or examined in a particular context. Example: "The line in question raises important ethical concerns that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The maximum speed on the line in question is 70mph.

The Guardian

Party officials said the line in question was "cut and pasted".

The New York Times

(You can hear the "fanute" line in question at 3 35 of the video).

The New York Times

The line in question runs under the Mediterranean, from Palermo in Italy to Alexandria in Egypt.

The Guardian - Tech

To avoid this, one must simply include the line in question (the proxy) as a MPROXY entry.

Harvard University

The line in question was staffed by members of the university lecturers' union protesting about changes to their pension arrangements.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The lines in question should read, "am I to be locked in this / final uneasiness," not "and I to be locked".

The New York Times

Nor is it likely to bring fundamental reforms: the lines in question, though operated since 1995 by private consortia, were owned and almost fully financed by government subsidy.

The Economist

It was indeed true that because they weren't happy with the lines in question; they had asked the authors of the hymn for permission to use a different version, which had been published elsewhere, and this was declined.

The Economist

If the two lines in question are placed in the stereoscope, it is found that some letters appear to float in space, a stereoscopic impression created by the minute differences in size, shape, and relative position of the letters in the two lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Additional staff were also provided for "the lines in question", it added.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line in question" to clearly identify a particular phrase or statement you are analyzing or referencing within a larger context. This avoids ambiguity and helps your audience focus on the specific part you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "line in question" when a simpler reference, such as "the sentence" or "this phrase", would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line in question" functions as a noun phrase used to specifically identify a particular line or statement being discussed. Ludwig examples show it used across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia, indicating broad applicability. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "line in question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression primarily employed to pinpoint a specific statement or phrase undergoing scrutiny. Its usage spans across diverse fields, predominantly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig reports that it is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase serves to clarify the focus of discussion, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler alternatives would suffice, maintaining clarity without unnecessary formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

statement at issue

Focuses specifically on a statement that is being debated or considered.

matter under discussion

Highlights that the topic is currently being discussed.

point in contention

Emphasizes the controversial or disputed nature of the point.

relevant passage

Refers to a specific part of a text that is pertinent to the current discussion.

pertinent phrase

Highlights the importance and relevance of a specific phrase.

aspect being examined

Focuses on the detailed scrutiny of a particular aspect.

item under review

Indicates a formal evaluation or assessment is taking place.

subject in focus

Highlights the specific subject that is being given attention.

aforementioned detail

Refers back to a detail that was previously mentioned.

specific element

Emphasizes that the element is clearly defined and particular.

FAQs

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

You can use "line in question" to refer to a specific sentence or phrase you are discussing. For example, "The "line in question" suggests a different interpretation of the events."

What are some alternatives to "line in question"?

Alternatives include "statement at issue", "matter under discussion", or "point in contention", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "line in question"?

While grammatically correct, using "line in question" might be considered overly formal in casual contexts. In those cases, simpler terms like "the sentence" or "this phrase" may be more appropriate.

What does "line in question" emphasize in a discussion?

The phrase "line in question" emphasizes that you are referring to a very specific part of a text or statement that is important to the discussion. It highlights a particular element for closer examination.