mark the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mark the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to indicate or highlight a specific line, often in a document or drawing. Example: "Please mark the line where the changes need to be made in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Eight thousand lighted balloons will mark the line of the old Wall, to be released that evening.

The Guardian

After that was an X to mark the line for the term of endearment (the "toe," as it's known in the industry).

The New York Times

Inland, the Cascade volcanoes mark the line where, far below, the Juan de Fuca plate is heating up and melting everything above it.

The New Yorker

There was a dividing line, marked by cones: some you were meant to run away with, others were there to mark the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nouvel erected a glass wall (on the high-traffic river side) to mark the line of the streetscape and placed his buildings in a garden behind it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The angle of the canopies' outer edges would mark the line of the sun at 8 46 on the morning of Sept. 11, when the first plane struck the trade center.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

If you are not sure, hire a surveyor to mark the lines before proceeding.

The New York Times

Using the pressure helps to mark the lines where you're going to fold.

WikiHow

In this story, the ability to take a life marks the line between adults and children.

The New York Times - Magazine

Peter has marked the line of the former Wall with sweet plastic flowers, which he symbolically waters every day.

The Guardian

The yellow line in Fig. 1b marks the line scanning EDS test range from 0 to 250 μm.

Nano-Micro Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "mark the line" on a physical object, provide clear tools and instructions, such as using a specific type of marker or tool for accurate marking.

Common error

Avoid using "mark the line" in abstract contexts where a more appropriate phrase would be 'draw the line' or 'define the boundary'. For instance, instead of saying "mark the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior", use "draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark the line" primarily functions as an imperative, directing someone to perform an action. It instructs the listener or reader to indicate a specific line, whether physically or figuratively. Ludwig AI examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mark the line" is a grammatically sound and widely used imperative phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to instruct someone to indicate a specific line or boundary. It appears frequently in Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate for a direct instruction and avoid using it in abstract situations where a more suitable phrase like "draw the line" might be more fitting. Remember to provide clear tools and instructions when indicating a physical line for accurate marking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indicate the line

Replaces "mark" with a more general term, emphasizing the act of pointing out the line.

Highlight the line

Suggests emphasizing the line visually, making it stand out.

Define the line

Focuses on clarifying the meaning or boundaries of the line.

Identify the line

Implies finding or recognizing a specific line among others.

Designate the line

Suggests officially assigning a particular purpose or role to the line.

Draw a line

Focuses on the physical act of creating a line, rather than indicating one.

Trace the line

Implies following an existing line, often with a pen or finger.

Delineate the line

A more formal way of saying 'mark the line', indicating a clear boundary.

Score the line

Refers to creating a shallow cut or indentation along the line.

Demarcate the line

A more formal alternative, implying the establishment of a boundary.

FAQs

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

You can use "mark the line" to instruct someone to indicate a specific position or boundary. For example, "Use a ruler to mark the line where you need to cut the fabric."

What's an alternative to "mark the line"?

Alternatives include "indicate the line", "highlight the line", or "define the line", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "mark the line" versus "draw the line"?

"Mark the line" is used for indicating a pre-existing or designated line. "Draw the line", on the other hand, is used to set a boundary or limit, often in a figurative sense.

Is "mark the lines" grammatically correct?

Yes, "mark the lines" is grammatically correct. It's used when you are referring to multiple lines that need to be indicated or highlighted. For instance, "Mark the lines that require editing."