not in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not conform to expectations, standards, or rules. Example: "His behavior at the meeting was not in line with the company's values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They are not in line with W.T.O.

The New York Times

But we're not in line yet".

The New York Times

ON LINE -- How New Yorkers stand, not in line.

The New York Times

Why do New Yorkers wait on line, not in line?

The New York Times - Magazine

People are not in line to join the coalition.

The New York Times

"Not anti-feminist but not in line with feminist thinking.

The Guardian - Film

"Thirdly, recording processes are not in line with each other.

Independent

"The INDCs are not in line with limiting global warming to below 2C and definitely not in line with 1.5C," he says.

The Guardian

30 Apr: Sacked for "an attitude which is not in line with the company's policy".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Players are required to wear eye protection, and they wear sneakers — not in-line skates.

The New York Times

If an instance is not in-line with distribution parameter, it is classified as novel class.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not in line", ensure that the context clearly specifies what standard, rule, or expectation is being violated. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not in line" without specifying the reference point. For example, instead of saying "The plan is not in line", specify what the plan is not in line with, such as "The plan is not in line with the budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in line" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating disagreement, inconsistency, or non-compliance. Ludwig examples show its use in describing deviations from standards or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in line" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express a lack of conformity or agreement with established standards, rules, or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. Its function is to highlight discrepancies or inconsistencies, and while generally neutral in register, it often leans toward formality. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what the subject is "not in line" with to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of alignment

Implies a lack of agreement or correspondence.

not in accordance with

Suggests a failure to adhere to a specific rule, standard or guideline.

at odds with

Highlights a conflict or disagreement between two things.

inconsistent with

Emphasizes a lack of uniformity or logical connection.

not compliant with

Specifically refers to a failure to meet required regulations or standards.

deviating from

Indicates a departure from an established course or standard.

differing from

Highlights a distinction or variation.

not in agreement with

Focuses on a lack of consensus or shared opinion.

contrary to

Implies direct opposition or contradiction.

not conforming to

Suggests a failure to adhere to accepted practices or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "not in line" in a sentence?

You can use "not in line" to indicate that something does not conform to expectations, standards, or rules. For example: "His behavior at the meeting was "not in line" with the company's values".

What can I say instead of "not in line"?

You can use alternatives like "out of alignment", "not in accordance with", or "inconsistent with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not in line with"?

Yes, "not in line with" is the standard and grammatically correct way to use the phrase. It indicates a lack of conformity or agreement with something.

What's the difference between "not in line" and "not in alignment"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "not in line" is generally used in a broader context to indicate a lack of conformity or agreement, whereas "not in alignment" often refers to a more specific lack of proper arrangement or adjustment.