predictable lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predictable lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe patterns or outcomes that are expected or easily anticipated in various contexts, such as literature, art, or behavior. Example: "The plot of the movie followed predictable lines, making it less engaging for the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He rarely wrote in straight and predictable lines.

The Guardian - Sport

For me, love was not about straight, predictable lines.

The New York Times

The story, which traces a family crisis, develops along predictable lines.

The New York Times

The instant reaction to the speech was divided along predictable lines.

The New Yorker

Only the victory by the reigning champion, India, over Bangladesh in Nottingham followed predictable lines.

The New York Times - Sports

These were predictable lines, but this time around they were ironic as well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

That is a predictable line from a marketing department charged with maximizing sales.

The New York Times - Books

Nominations for The Brit Awards 2007 have been confirmed tonightt, revealing a somewhat predictable line up.

The Guardian - Music

For once the president did not let that predictable line of argument stop him, and even had a good rejoinder: "This is not class warfare.

The New York Times

She's the kind of performer who can take a musty and predictable line like, "From where I sit, $42 for tuition is a fortune," and earn the biggest laugh of the evening with it.

The New York Times

In many ways the question was more interesting than the answers, which followed the predictable line of a cultivated sense of entitlement, social networking and a financial cushion that enables the ambitious to work for next to nothing as special parliamentary advisers in the hope of getting parachuted into a safe seat at a later date.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predictable lines", consider the context to ensure the reader understands what is being anticipated or expected. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "predictable lines" too often in creative writing, as it can make your work sound cliché and unoriginal. Instead, strive for fresh and unexpected descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predictable lines" functions as an adjective-noun combination used to describe patterns or courses of action that are easily anticipated or expected. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predictable lines" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes easily anticipated patterns or courses of action. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct for use in written English. Its frequency is categorized as "common", with a predominant presence in the news and media. While not exclusive to formal contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for varied applications. When using this expression, consider its potential for overuse in creative contexts. Alternatives such as "expected patterns" or "foreseeable trends" might offer more nuanced phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected patterns

Focuses on the regularity and anticipation of the observed arrangements.

foreseeable trends

Emphasizes the ability to anticipate the direction or course of events.

anticipated outcomes

Highlights the expected results or consequences of a situation.

conventional approaches

Refers to methods or strategies that are commonly used and expected.

routine procedures

Indicates standard and regularly followed steps or actions.

typical scenarios

Describes situations that are commonly encountered and expected.

standard practices

Highlights the customary and accepted ways of doing things.

unsurprising developments

Emphasizes the lack of novelty or unexpectedness in unfolding events.

common trajectories

Indicates paths or courses that are frequently observed.

customary courses of action

Refers to the usual and expected ways of behaving or responding.

FAQs

How can I use "predictable lines" in a sentence?

You can use "predictable lines" to describe something that follows a standard or expected pattern. For example, "The movie's plot followed "predictable lines", making it easy to guess the ending."

What are some alternatives to "predictable lines"?

Some alternatives to "predictable lines" include "expected patterns", "foreseeable trends", or "anticipated outcomes", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "unpredictable lines"?

Yes, "unpredictable lines" is a valid phrase. It describes something that does not follow a standard or expected pattern, in contrast to "predictable lines".

What is the difference between "predictable lines" and "routine procedures"?

"Predictable lines" generally refers to patterns or trends that are easily anticipated, while "routine procedures" are specific, standardized actions that are regularly performed. The former is broader and more descriptive, while the latter is more specific and procedural.