pass the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is crossing a boundary or limit, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "When you start to insult others, you really pass the line of acceptable behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I think I see Bob Novak pass the line.

The New York Times

If the final song, "Goodbye," acknowledges that all things must pass, the line that resonates long after the final note has been sounded declares, "The ending is not the story".

The New York Times

As author and poet Criss Jami writes, "Everyone pretends to be 'free thinkers', but few individuals pass the line into expressive territories that may be detrimental to their own social well-being".

Huffington Post

Finish till you pass the line.

WikiHow

Pass the line through the hook eye from below.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And we can tackle this problem together if you pass the line-item veto.

The New York Times

Just hit the letters and arrows as they pass the lines to the left.

TechCrunch

The band is my ring, I'd thought, as we passed the line of poplars.

The Guardian

"I was gutted when I passed the line because I thought I was beat," said the winning rider, Jimmy Fortune.

The Guardian - Sport

Racers must compete for first place, but when someone passes the line, the rest have strict time limit in which to complete the event.

The Guardian - Tech

However, the lower confidence limit passed the line of unity.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass the line" in sports contexts, ensure it accurately describes the action of crossing a physical boundary. In more abstract contexts, be clear about what specific boundary or limit is being exceeded.

Common error

Be specific about the context when using "pass the line" metaphorically. If the boundary isn't clear, it may confuse readers. Provide enough context to clarify what limit is being exceeded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the line" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of crossing a physical or metaphorical boundary. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from sports to abstract limits of social behavior. It is usually transitive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass the line" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of crossing a physical boundary or exceeding a limit, often in a metaphorical sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. While adaptable to various contexts, it is most frequently found in news, wiki and science-related domains. When writing, be mindful to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity, particularly when using the phrase metaphorically. Related phrases like "cross the line" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross the line

Indicates exceeding a limit or boundary, often in a negative or unacceptable way.

go beyond the limit

Emphasizes exceeding a set boundary or restriction.

exceed the boundary

Similar to 'cross the line' but can be used in more formal contexts.

overstep the mark

A more idiomatic expression for exceeding acceptable behavior or limits.

surpass the threshold

Implies exceeding a specific level or point.

move past the barrier

Focuses on overcoming an obstacle or impediment.

transgress the limit

A formal way of saying to violate or go beyond a boundary.

go over the edge

Suggests reaching a point of instability or excess.

violate the constraint

To not respect a constraint that was imposed.

break the rule

Emphasis on not respecting or breaking an explicit or implicit rule.

FAQs

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

You can use "pass the line" to describe physically crossing a line in sports, or metaphorically to indicate exceeding a limit. For example, "He had to run faster to pass the line before his opponent" or "His behavior started to pass the line of what is acceptable."

What is a good alternative to "pass the line"?

Alternatives to "pass the line" include "cross the line" for unacceptable behavior, or "exceed the limit" for quantifiable boundaries.

Is it better to say "pass the line" or "cross the line"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Pass the line" is suitable for physical boundaries or thresholds, while "cross the line" usually refers to inappropriate or unacceptable behavior.

What does it mean when someone says you "passed the line"?

Generally, it means you have exceeded a limit or boundary, often indicating that your behavior or actions were inappropriate or went too far. It's context-dependent, but often carries a negative connotation.