notional line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notional line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing theoretical or conceptual boundaries, often in fields like geography, philosophy, or design. Example: "In our discussion of urban planning, we established a notional line to differentiate between residential and commercial zones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The center of the platform was situated on a notional line that bisected the corner, at a distance of 25 cm from the corner.

Hippocampus

The center of the platform was always situated 50 cm from the edge of the pool, on a notional line between the two points where the black and white curtains met.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Each platform was positioned with its center 15 cm from the midpoint of one of the two 100-cm black panels, on a notional line that was perpendicular to the wall.

Hippocampus

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There were eight possible positions for the platform, which were located on notional lines that bisected each of the four quadrants of the pool, at a distance of either 25 cm or 50 cm from the edge of the pool.

Hippocampus

What difference does it make, the authors ask, to lift millions above some notional poverty line if they still lack the basics of a decent life?

The New York Times - Books

Some allotropes, particularly those of elements located (in periodic table terms) alongside or near the notional dividing line between metals and nonmetals, exhibit more pronounced metallic, metalloidal or nonmetallic behaviour than others.

Wikipedia

The centers of the panels were superimposed on a notional vertical line passing through the center of the wall (see Fig. 1).

Hippocampus

If it turns out that the Assad régime did use sarin in Ghouta, then logic suggests that perhaps it did so to test the West's resolve regarding any notional remaining "red line" that might dictate military action.

The New Yorker

He treads a fine line of notional support for Miliband and carefully hedged critique.

The Guardian - Opinion

The objective was to reach the Karman line, the notional boundary between earth's atmosphere and space, some 100km (62 miles) above sea level, before dropping back down to earth.

The Guardian - Business

The notional border, the Northern Limit line, is not recognised by North Korea, which is why Pyongyang feels justified launching attacks on what it views as provocations here.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "notional line", ensure the context clearly establishes that you are referring to an abstract or theoretical boundary, not a physical one. Use it to describe concepts, plans, or ideas rather than concrete realities.

Common error

Avoid using "notional line" when describing actual, physical boundaries. This phrase specifically refers to conceptual or theoretical separations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notional line" functions as a noun phrase where "notional" modifies "line". It describes a line that exists in theory or concept but not necessarily in reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notional line" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an imaginary or conceptual boundary. Though relatively rare, as shown by Ludwig's analysis, its usage is primarily found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure the context indicates a theoretical rather than physical boundary. Consider using alternatives like "theoretical boundary" or "conceptual demarcation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretical boundary

Replaces "notional" with "theoretical", emphasizing the abstract nature of the boundary.

conceptual boundary

A more straightforward alternative, directly replacing "notional" with "conceptual".

conceptual demarcation

Uses more formal language to describe the establishment of a conceptual boundary.

imaginary border

Emphasizes the non-physical, imagined aspect of the line.

hypothetical limit

Highlights the speculative or conditional nature of the boundary.

virtual frontier

Uses "virtual" to suggest the line exists in a non-physical or digital space.

abstract division

Focuses on the separation implied by the line, described as abstract.

presumed limit

Indicates that the limit is assumed or supposed, rather than definitively established.

unspecified border

Emphasizes the lack of specific or defined characteristics of the border.

idealized demarcation

Suggests the boundary is a representation of an ideal or perfect standard.

FAQs

What does "notional line" mean?

A "notional line" refers to an imaginary or conceptual boundary, often used to distinguish between ideas, areas, or states that are not physically separated. It's a theoretical construct rather than a tangible object.

How can I use "notional line" in a sentence?

You might say, "The negotiators established a "notional line" to divide the responsibilities between the two departments." This indicates a division of duties that exists in planning but not necessarily in practice.

What are some alternatives to "notional line"?

Alternatives include "theoretical boundary", "conceptual demarcation", or "imaginary border", depending on the context.

Is "notional line" a formal or informal term?

"Notional line" leans towards formal usage, often appearing in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. While understandable in informal settings, a simpler term like "imaginary line" might be more appropriate.