line the streets

USAGE SUMMARY

"line the streets" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a large number of people crowding a street or area. For example, "Spectators lined the streets, eager to see the parade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shuttered shops line the streets.

The Economist

Mobile boilers line the streets.

The New York Times

Hills of garbage line the streets.

The New York Times

Shade trees line the streets.

The New York Times - Food

Pavement bars line the streets.

The Guardian - Travel

The homeless line the streets.

The Guardian - Film

Blast walls line the streets.

The New York Times

Posters line the streets of Harare.

The New York Times - Books

Boarded-up apartments line the streets.

The New York Times

Piles of rubble line the streets.

The New York Times

Modest homes, some boarded up, line the streets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the presence of buildings, trees, or similar structures, use the phrase in a descriptive manner.

Common error

Avoid using "line the streets" in purely abstract or figurative contexts where a literal street and lining are not implied. Instead, choose phrases that more accurately reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line the streets" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence, often as part of the predicate. It indicates the presence of people or objects arranged along the sides of a street. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "line the streets" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe people or objects positioned along the sides of a street. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and descriptive contexts, it serves to vividly portray scenes of crowds or linear arrangements. While generally neutral in register, its use should be confined to situations where a literal street and lining are implied, avoiding overuse in purely abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crowd the streets

Emphasizes the action of a crowd filling the streets, rather than forming a line.

fill the streets

Focuses on the streets being full, suggesting a high density of people or objects.

throng the streets

Implies a large, dense crowd moving through the streets.

pack the streets

Highlights the crowded nature of the streets, suggesting limited space.

gather along the streets

Emphasizes the act of people coming together along the streets.

flock to the streets

Suggests a large number of people moving towards the streets.

be present along the streets

More formal and neutral, simply stating presence along the streets.

stand along the streets

Focuses on the act of standing in a line along the streets.

occupy the streets

Implies taking up space on the streets, potentially with a purpose or demonstration.

edge the streets

Suggests objects placed or people standing at the very edge of the streets.

FAQs

How can I use "line the streets" in a sentence?

You can use "line the streets" to describe people or objects positioned along the sides of a street. For example, "Spectators "line the streets" to watch the parade".

What's a good alternative to "line the streets"?

Depending on the context, alternatives such as "crowd the streets", "fill the streets", or "gather along the streets" may be appropriate.

Is "line the streets" formal or informal?

"Line the streets" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in news and descriptive writing.

What does it mean when people "line the streets"?

When people ""line the streets"", it typically means they are standing or positioned along the sides of the street, often to watch an event, show support, or pay tribute.