line up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line up" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to mean organize into a line - either literal or figurative, such as lining up a series of objects. For example: "The children lined up to get their school supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Line up! Line up for murder!

The New York Times

They'd line up.

The New Yorker

"Line up, boys!

The New Yorker

"They never quite line up".

The New York Times

Line up, prospective partners.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It doesn't line up".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Consider this line-up.

The Guardian - Sport

Team Sky line-up:.

BBC

So that's my line-up.

BBC

The whisky line-up.

Huffington Post

Try the following line-up.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line up" when you want to describe arranging items or people in a sequential order, or when preparing for an event or action. The phrase is versatile and easily understood across different contexts.

Common error

Avoid confusing "line up" with "lie up". "Line up" means to arrange in a line, while "lie" refers to reclining or resting. Using the wrong verb can change the meaning of your sentence significantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It commonly indicates the act of arranging people or objects in a line, or preparing for an event. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "line up" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that is grammatically correct and applicable in a variety of contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it commonly functions to describe arranging people or objects in a line, or to prepare for an event. Its usage spans from informal instructions to more formal news and professional settings. While generally neutral, it's important to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "lie". With various alternatives like "arrange in order" or "prepare for action", understanding the nuances of "line up" can enhance clarity in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrange in order

Focuses on the orderly placement of items or people, similar to one aspect of "line up".

place in alignment

Highlights the act of bringing things into a straight line or correct position.

organize into a row

Emphasizes the organizational aspect and the linear arrangement.

marshal into position

Suggests guiding or directing individuals into a specific order.

form a queue

Specifically refers to people waiting in a line.

assemble in a line

Highlights the act of gathering and forming a line.

get into formation

Implies a structured arrangement, often for a specific purpose.

prepare for action

Focuses on readiness and getting into position for an event or task.

make arrangements

Emphasizes planning and preparation for an event.

get ready

A general term for preparing, which can include lining up.

FAQs

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

You can use "line up" to describe arranging things or people in a line, such as "The students "lined up" for the bus", or to mean making arrangements for an event, as in "We need to "line up" some speakers for the conference".

What are some alternatives to "line up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "arrange in order", "organize into a row", or "prepare for action".

Is it correct to say "lined up"?

Yes, "lined up" is the past tense and past participle form of "line up", and it's perfectly correct to use in sentences like "The books were "lined up" neatly on the shelf".

What does "line up" mean in the context of sports?

In sports, "line up" can refer to the position a player takes at the start of a game, such as "The quarterback will "line up" behind the center". It can also refer to the team's composition.