lined up and did

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lined up and did" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in informal contexts to describe a sequence of actions, but clarity is essential for effective communication. Example: "We lined up and did what we were told during the drill."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Cox had a few weekend jobs lined up and did not expect any to be canceled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think there are a whole lot of people who would line up and do this in a heartbeat".

The New York Times - Sports

"Rarely do you get all of the countries (in Asia) lined up" and uniformly doing well.

Forbes

We have the best staff, the best talent, world-class facilities and great distribution partners lined up, and we've done it all while ensuring that we answer to no one except our own audience.

Huffington Post

All these people are lined up and he says, "What do you want?" He has a couple backers on either side of him.

Huffington Post

"It's funny, every week after the show, we all line up and do a big red carpet press line, and the question that every single reporter asks me is how are you feeling -- any aches any pains?

Huffington Post

"If all these planets line up and things do get really bad," Mr. Marcom said, "those who have not prepared will be trapped in the city with thousands of other people needing food and propane and everything else".

The New York Times

Yet everybody -- I was so shocked -- one by one they would line up and they would do it.

Huffington Post

You line up and then wait forever to do something.

The Guardian - Sport

He would have 11 guys lining up and telling us what to do on a kick-off".

The Guardian - Sport

This year would have been a perfect chance to see the two teams line up and shake hands, like hockey does after a series.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "lined up and did" is understandable, consider using more formal alternatives like "arranged and executed" or "organized and performed" in professional or academic writing for greater clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "lined up and did" in formal reports, academic papers, or business communications. Its informal tone can undermine the credibility of your writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lined up and did" functions as a compound verb phrase indicating a sequence of actions: preparation or arrangement followed by execution. It is used to describe a process where things are first organized and then acted upon. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is considered acceptable but not grammatically perfect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lined up and did" describes a sequence of preparation followed by action. While Ludwig notes its grammatical acceptability, it is more suited for informal contexts. For formal or professional writing, consider stronger alternatives such as "arranged and executed" or "organized and performed". Primarily found in News & Media, it is generally neutral, so it can be used in a variety of settings, but you should adapt it based on your audience and your text's register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arranged and executed

Replaces the informal "lined up" with a more formal term like "arranged", changing the tone to more professional.

organized and performed

Similar to "arranged and executed", but emphasizes the planning and carrying out of an action.

prepared and carried out

Highlights the preparatory aspect of "lining up", suggesting readiness before action.

put in order and performed

Highlights the sequencing element of arranging things before acting.

coordinated and accomplished

Focuses on the collaborative and successful completion of a task.

got ready and acted

A simpler, more direct alternative that conveys the same basic meaning.

scheduled and completed

Emphasizes the time management and completion aspects of the task.

set up and achieved

Highlights the preparation and successful attainment of something.

established and implemented

A more formal way of saying something was prepared and put into action.

formulated and enacted

Focuses on the creation and subsequent acting upon of a plan or strategy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lined up and did" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "arranged and executed", "organized and performed", or "prepared and carried out" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "lined up and did" grammatically correct?

While commonly understood, "lined up and did" is considered informal. While acceptable, it is grammatically correct, using more precise phrasing is often preferred in formal writing.

What does "lined up and did" mean?

"Lined up and did" generally means that preparations were made, and then an action was performed. It implies a sequence of events involving arrangement followed by execution.

Are there situations where "lined up and did" is the most appropriate choice?

The phrase "lined up and did" is appropriate in casual conversations, informal emails, or when aiming for a relaxed tone. However, for professional or academic writing, alternatives that convey precision are better.