line of force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of force" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and electromagnetism, to describe the direction and strength of a force field. Example: "The line of force indicates the path that a charged particle will follow in an electric field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Charged particles tend to spiral about a magnetic line of force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once a line of force begins, he keeps it going, even adding strength to it, until it meets an immovable object or exhausts itself in open space.

The New Yorker

This force causes electrons and ions to spiral about the direction of the magnetic line of force, thereby confining the particles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Line of force, in physics, path followed by an electric charge free to move in an electric field or a mass free to move in a gravitational field, or generally any appropriate test particle in a given force field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the tibial side, the line of force on the graft is directly in line with the tibial bone tunnel.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Under an external magnetic field, the nanoparticles will be magnetized and self-assemble along the magnetic line of force, forming straight wires.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The result is a novel that seems to strain against its own lines of force.

The Guardian - Books

So I simpply followed the literary and emotional lines of force which I detected.

The New Yorker

Quadrilaterals, round balls, and the shifting lines of force and energy made by the players' movements".

The Guardian - Books

Lines of force streamed across his laptop screen in red and green.

The New Yorker

These particles move in spiral paths along the lines of force of Earth's magnetic field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "line of force" in scientific writing, ensure you clearly define the context (e.g., magnetic, electric, gravitational) for clarity. Use diagrams to visually represent these lines for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "line of force" interchangeably with the general term "force". "Line of force" refers to a specific representation of a force field, while "force" is a broader concept. Always ensure the context warrants the specific imagery of field lines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of force" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to denote an abstract concept in physics. It represents an imaginary line illustrating the direction and intensity of a force field. This is supported by Ludwig examples, showing its usage in scientific explanations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of force" is a noun phrase primarily used in scientific and technical contexts to visualize and describe force fields. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in science, encyclopedias and to a lesser degree, in news and media. When writing about physics or related fields, using "line of force" helps to convey complex concepts understandably. However, ensure you're using it in the correct context, and consider alternatives like "field line" or "force vector" for specific situations. Remember to differentiate "line of force" from the general term "force" to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

field line

This term is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably in physics to describe the same concept.

magnetic flux line

Specifically refers to the lines representing magnetic fields.

electric field line

Specifically refers to the lines representing electric fields.

force vector

Focuses on the magnitude and direction of force as a vector quantity.

lines of magnetic induction

Another term for magnetic field lines emphasizing induction.

path of force

Describes the trajectory that a force influences.

force trajectory

Similar to path of force but more emphasis on the movement along a force.

force transmission path

Emphasizes how force is transmitted through a medium or structure.

direction of force

Highlights the directional aspect of the force.

isodynamic line

Geophysical term, indicating line connecting points with equal magnetic force intensity

FAQs

How is the phrase "line of force" used in physics?

In physics, a "line of force" is an imaginary line representing the direction and strength of a force field, such as a magnetic or electric field. It helps visualize how a force acts on objects within that field.

What's an alternative to "line of force" in technical writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "field line", "force vector", or "magnetic flux line". These terms can provide more specific or technical descriptions.

Is it correct to use "lines of force" instead of "line of force"?

Yes, "lines of force" is the plural form and is appropriate when referring to multiple lines representing a force field. The singular "line of force" refers to a single line in that field.

How does a "line of force" relate to magnetic fields?

In the context of magnetism, a "line of force" (or magnetic field line) shows the direction a compass needle would point if placed at that location in the field. The density of these lines indicates the strength of the magnetic field.