line of delineation

USAGE SUMMARY

"line of delineation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a boundary or dividing line between two distinct areas. For example: "We had to draw a line of delineation to ensure that only those qualified could gain access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Culture, history and political tradition are all important, but I think the clearest line of delineation separating America from these other countries is the structure of its political institutions.

The Economist

"While art often imitates life, and vice-versa, there is a stark line of delineation between reality and entertainment".

Huffington Post

He added, "While art often imitates life, and vice-versa, there is a stark line of delineation between reality and entertainment".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In Madison Square Park, the lines of delineation were clear: the nannies, the high school equivalent of the Bad Girls, hung out around the playground in clumps, gabbing on cell phones and ignoring their charges.

Huffington Post

This step included a visual inspection of the computer generated lines for delineation of the cortical region segmentation in all slices, making minor manual corrections to any deviations from accurate periosteal or endosteal surface delineation.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Future work might continue our study's line of research by replicating its delineation of patterns associated with surgeon-patient mismatch using PROs, content analysis of clinical chart notes, and demographic factors along with collecting a information on nonorganic signs (e.g., the Waddell Nonorganic Signs Test [ 9]).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Mitsuoki's style is known for its delicate lines and fine delineation, typical of the Tosa school, but he also adopted some techniques and Chinese subject matter from the popular and powerful Kanō school.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But all of Soundview's new territory is underwater (the parks department owns out to the pierhead line, a federal delineation).

The New York Times

Finally, the drainage line and catchment delineation were obtained based on the stream link grid.

Environmental Systems Research

If she was lured into slightly heavier singing than necessary in two Rossini songs or the Turina set, she also followed the fine lines of Hugo Wolf's gentle delineations in four of his songs and distinguished between the moods of Poulenc's "Paganini" and Walton's "Old Sir Faulk," both antic verbal abstractions but of very different flavors.

The New York Times - Arts

There would be lots of boxes and lines of different colors and delineations of network and security zones.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line of delineation" when you want to emphasize a clear and distinct boundary between two concepts, categories, or physical spaces. It's often effective in formal writing or when precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "line of delineation" in informal contexts where simpler terms like "boundary" or "dividing line" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of delineation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a boundary or division, marking a clear distinction between two or more entities. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of delineation" is a formal noun phrase used to describe a clear boundary or distinction. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. It most commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and precise communication. When choosing alternatives, consider simpler options like "boundary line" or "dividing line" for informal settings. Remember to use "line of delineation" when you want to emphasize a clear and distinct separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boundary line

This term directly replaces "line of delineation" with a simpler and more common expression for a border.

dividing line

This alternative emphasizes the act of separation, making it suitable when highlighting differences.

line of demarcation

A more formal synonym, often used in geographical or political contexts to denote a clear border.

separation line

This phrase centers on the concept of two things being separate, suitable when physical division is implied.

distinction

This is a more abstract alternative, focusing on the act of distinguishing between things rather than a physical line.

borderline

This implies a point at which something changes or begins to differ.

cleavage line

This term suggests a point of division or split, often used metaphorically to denote a major difference.

dividing point

Shifts the focus from a line to a specific point where a separation occurs.

demarcation

A single-word alternative that captures the essence of setting limits or boundaries.

edge

This alternative is simpler and less formal, indicating a boundary or limit.

FAQs

How can I use "line of delineation" in a sentence?

You can use "line of delineation" to describe a clear boundary or distinction, such as: "The report established a clear "line of delineation" between marketing and sales responsibilities."

What phrases are similar to "line of delineation"?

Similar phrases include "boundary line", "dividing line", and "line of demarcation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "line of delineation" formal or informal?

"Line of delineation" is generally considered a formal phrase. Simpler alternatives are often preferred in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "line of delineation" and "line of demarcation"?

While similar, "line of demarcation" often implies a more official or legally recognized boundary, whereas "line of delineation" can be used more broadly to indicate any clear separation.