linear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "linear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mathematics, graphs, or describing relationships that follow a straight line or a sequential order. Example: "The relationship between the two variables is linear, indicating a direct correlation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Budget flights can take you to and from a linear route.

The Guardian - Travel

We wanted a more linear story, so we start at the chronological beginning.

The Guardian - Film

The analysis was conducted by Dr Xi Li of Wuhan University in China, whose team found that the night-light loss showed a linear correlation with the number of people internally displaced from each Syrian province.

The Guardian

Distance 3.5 miles/5.6km Typical duration 1 hour 45 mins Start and finish Start at Lewisham national rail and DLR station and finish at Cutty Sark DLR station Start postcode SE13 7RY Step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/blackheathroute This linear walk showcases a truly beautiful area of London, crossing between two very different boroughs.

The Guardian - Travel

He forecast that the major studios would eventually become big players in new media but appeared to be "still focused on producing linear TV and movies".

The Guardian - Film

And how exciting would it have been to witness Filippo Brunelleschi demonstrating linear perspective for the first time in his baptistry in Florence.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

iPhone / iPad Ryan North's To Be Or Not To Be (£4.49) "William Shakespeare's Hamlet has finally been restored to its original second-person non-linear branching narrative format," chirps the App Store listing for this.

The Guardian - Tech

If that's the case, I'm pretty sure that everyone who saw Pulp Fiction – and there are millions of them – immediately went out and made their own cloth-eared, non-linear ensemble gangster movie of questionable worth, stuffed with hoary old has-been actors and endless, desperate, directionless patter.

The Guardian - Film

Even more than with farming, the impact of climate change will be "non-linear": changes may be modest up to a point, then turn dramatic.

The Economist

Dr Karami's "non-linear harvester", by contrast, still works at heart rates of 20 to 600 beats per minute.It does this using a combination of a piezoelectric material and a magnet, arranged so that the magnetic field amplifies the piezoelectric material's response to the vibrations.

The Economist

Despite the proliferation of on-demand video, viewers in major markets will watch around 20 times more scheduled television than "non-linear" programming per week, says Deloitte, a consultancy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "linear" when you want to describe something that progresses in a straight line or a logical sequence. For example, "a linear progression of events."

Common error

Don't use "linear" when the relationship between variables is not directly proportional or when a process involves multiple interacting factors. Opt for terms like "complex" or "multifaceted" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "linear" primarily functions to describe something that follows a straight line, a sequential order, or a directly proportional relationship. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing stories, walks, correlations, and TV programming, emphasizing a straightforward or step-by-step nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "linear" is an adjective that describes something arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, "linear" is commonly used to describe relationships, processes, and narratives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It’s frequently seen in News & Media and Science contexts, denoting a neutral to formal register. While "linear" suggests simplicity, be cautious not to overuse it in situations better described as "complex" or "multifaceted". Alternatives such as "straightforward", "sequential", and "direct" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward

Emphasizes simplicity and directness, focusing on the lack of complications or ambiguities.

sequential

Highlights the ordered, step-by-step progression of events or processes.

straight

Refers to the absence of curves or deviations, emphasizing physical or abstract directness.

direct

Stresses the shortest path or route, both literally and figuratively.

one-dimensional

Indicates a focus on a single aspect or characteristic, often implying a lack of depth or complexity.

analogue

Implies a continuous relationship or representation, contrasting with digital or discrete forms.

running

Suggests a continuous, uninterrupted flow or sequence.

progressive

Highlights forward movement or development through stages.

orderly

Denotes a systematic and well-arranged state or process.

methodical

Emphasizes a careful, systematic approach to tasks or processes.

FAQs

How can I use "linear" in a sentence?

You can use "linear" to describe something that progresses in a straight line or a logical sequence, such as "a linear relationship between supply and demand" or "a linear narrative structure".

What are some alternatives to using "linear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "straightforward", "sequential", or "direct".

What is the difference between "linear" and "nonlinear"?

"Linear" describes a relationship or process that progresses in a straight line or predictable sequence, while "nonlinear" indicates a relationship or process that is more complex and does not follow a straight path.

Is it correct to use "linear" to describe a process that has multiple steps?

Yes, it is correct if the steps follow a clear, sequential order. However, if the steps are interconnected and influence each other in complex ways, it might be more accurate to describe the process as non-"linear" or multifaceted.