loose lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe lines that are not tight or are relaxed in a certain context, such as art, writing, or design. Example: "The artist preferred to work with loose lines to create a more fluid and dynamic composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Kinnell's first collection of new poems in more than a decade revisits themes of marriage, friendship and death, with long, loose lines reminiscent of Whitman.

The New York Times

Finebaum must regularly boot callers like Glen for violating F.C.C. rules on vulgarity, and he occasionally holds on-air trials for those who cross the show's loose lines of good behavior.

The New Yorker

And while Matthew Holm's art has always been simple — at best, his animals have the loose lines and good cheer of the prolific French cartoonist Lewis Trondheim's — his casual figures have become sloppy.

The New York Times - Books

It re-imagines ways of bringing a flat canvas to life as the soft, loose lines and expressive gestures of traditional drawing exist as more than permanent images.

Vice

His pen and ink wash style kind of feels like the soft shapes of Travis Millard and the loose lines and watercolor of  Barry Blitt mixed together.

Vice

Like other species of ibis, the American white ibis flies with neck and legs outstretched, often in long loose lines or V formations a 1986 field study in North Carolina noted over 80% of adult ibis doing so, while juveniles rapidly took up the practice over the course of the summer.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In one striking moment, the dancers arrange themselves in a loose line, extending out into the audience.

The New York Times

They walked in a loose line, passing rows of houses where neighbors lingered outside, drinking and talking.

The Guardian

But midway up the first windward leg, Shoebridge rolled his foot on a loose line and went into the sea, both arms grasping for air.

The New York Times - Sports

These developments especially the greater speeds led Germans participating in the Spanish Civil War (1936 39) to fly their Bf-109 fighters in loose, line-abreast Rotten, or pairs, about 200 yards apart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the same time I spanked the reel for dear life, spinning the spool so that there would be no loose line to tangle on the next run of the fish.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artistic styles, use "loose lines" to convey a sense of freedom and spontaneity in the artwork. It suggests a less rigid and more expressive approach.

Common error

Avoid using "loose lines" when you actually mean "broken lines". "Loose lines" implies a deliberate artistic choice, while "broken lines" suggests discontinuity or fragmentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose lines" functions primarily as a descriptive term, often used as an adjective-noun combination to describe qualities in art, design, or abstract concepts. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loose lines" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression, often employed to describe artistic styles, drawing techniques, or abstract plans, and is often interchangeable with "relaxed lines" or "freehand lines". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for both formal and informal writing but avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "broken lines". Its usage spans across News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its versatility and general applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relaxed lines

Replaces "loose" with "relaxed", emphasizing a less rigid quality.

freehand lines

Highlights the unconstrained and natural aspect of the lines.

casual strokes

Focuses on the drawing technique, suggesting a lack of precision.

unrestrained marks

Emphasizes the lack of control or restriction in the lines.

fluid strokes

Highlights the continuous and flowing nature of the lines.

sketchy lines

Suggests a preliminary or unfinished quality.

open lines

Focuses on the lack of defined boundaries or constraints.

soft lines

Emphasizes the gentle or subtle nature of the lines.

meandering lines

Highlights the winding or indirect path of the lines.

flowing lines

Emphasizes the continuous and graceful movement of the lines.

FAQs

What does "loose lines" mean in art?

In art, "loose lines" refer to lines that are free, relaxed, and not rigidly defined. They often convey a sense of spontaneity and expressiveness in a drawing or painting.

How can I create drawings with "loose lines"?

To create drawings with "loose lines", use light pressure and fluid movements with your drawing tool. Avoid being too precise or controlled, and allow for some variation and imperfection in your lines.

What are some alternatives to saying "loose lines"?

You can use alternatives like "relaxed lines", "freehand lines", or "casual strokes" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "loose lines" in formal writing?

The term "loose lines" is generally appropriate for descriptive writing in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing art, design, or abstract concepts. Contexts with a need to be extremely precise, this term might be seen as lacking rigor.