out of line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to do something that is not appropriate or to violate an accepted standard of behavior. For example: "His comments at the meeting were completely out of line and the other members were very offended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Were we out of line?

The New York Times

What Finley did was out of line".

The New York Times - Sports

It was really out of line".

The New Yorker

The ethnic remark was out of line.

The New York Times

"I'm out of line.

The New York Times - Arts

Don't step out of line.

The Guardian - Opinion

But skepticism is hardly out of line.

The New York Times

And they are out of line now.

The New York Times

It's all gotten way out of line.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We got slightly out of line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Clinton aide Huma Abedin are out-of-line.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's actions as "out of line", be specific about what aspect of their behavior was inappropriate. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "out of line" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in general communication, it can appear too informal. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "inappropriate", "unacceptable", or "unwarranted" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of line" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as inappropriate, unacceptable, or exceeding established boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples, demonstrating its use in various contexts to express disapproval or criticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of line" is a common idiom used to describe behavior or comments that are inappropriate or unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct and easily understood, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and audience when using this phrase. In more formal contexts, alternatives like "inappropriate" or "unacceptable" may be more suitable. When using "out of line", ensure that you clearly identify what specific action or statement was deemed inappropriate to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate

Focuses on the lack of suitability of a behavior or statement.

crossing the line

Focuses on exceeding an implicit boundary of acceptable behaviour.

unacceptable

Emphasizes the non-permissible nature of an action or comment.

out of order

Indicates a breach of decorum or procedure.

uncalled for

Highlights the lack of necessity or justification for something said or done.

unprofessional

Highlights a deviation from expected standards of conduct in a professional setting.

over the top

Indicates excessive or exaggerated behavior.

in poor taste

Refers to something offensive or lacking sensitivity.

beyond the pale

Suggests behavior that is completely unacceptable or outrageous.

not cricket

Implies a violation of fair play or ethical standards (mainly British English).

FAQs

How can I use "out of line" in a sentence?

You can use "out of line" to describe behavior or comments that are inappropriate or unacceptable. For example, "His remarks during the meeting were completely "out of line"."

What's a more formal alternative to "out of line"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "inappropriate", "unacceptable", or "unprofessional" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "out of line" too informal for professional communication?

While "out of line" is generally understood, it may be perceived as slightly informal in certain professional settings. Evaluate your audience and the context. More formal terms like "inappropriate" or "unacceptable" may be more suitable.

What does it mean when someone says something is "out of line"?

Saying something is ""out of line"" means it's inappropriate, offensive, or violates accepted standards of behavior. It suggests the person has crossed a boundary of what's considered acceptable.