provide a line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to give a specific line of text, information, or a response. Example: "Please provide a line that summarizes your main argument in the essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Under the plan disclosed Tuesday, the parent agreed to invest the 100 million euros in new shares of stock but also to provide a line of credit of 150 million euro to the subsidiary for its seasonal credit needs.

The New York Times

All it does is provide a line against which you can level the horizon, which is especially useful for landscape scenery shots.

TechCrunch

The study found there was a significant difference regarding their utility to provide a line of direction for street crossing, but no significant differences in regard to confidence and comfort of the user.

Urban Rail Transit

Water FLUTe™ multilevel groundwater sampling (under two flow conditions) and FACT™ sampling and analysis combined with FLUTe® transmissivity profiling and modeling were used to provide a line of evidence for the presence of DNAPL, dissolved and sorbed phase contamination in the limestone fractures and matrix.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Other error messages generally provide a line number referring to the source code or the function name in question.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

These results perhaps provide a line of preliminary evidence for the presence of microbial sequences in these lepidopteran genomes, possibly by horizontal transfer.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

First, some frequency components may be able to penetrate obstacles to provide a Line-Of-Sight (LOS) signal.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Local food empowers farmers, links producers and consumers, and provides a line of defence between consumers and international commodity markets.

The Guardian

It provides a line of credit that is not subject to the F.H.A. limit, from which consumers can borrow for as long as they occupy their home.

The New York Times

This year's autumn statement promised £20m to support first-time exporters, and UKTI provided a line from business secretary Vince Cable, who said that he remained committed to boosting Britain's export portfolio.

The Guardian

Another Edmonton company, Dycor, provides a line of instruments for operating MFCs.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a line" in invitations or forms, clearly specify the type of information you expect. For instance, "provide a line for your name and contact information".

Common error

Avoid using "provide a line" without context, as it may confuse the recipient. Instead, specify exactly what type of information is needed, such as "provide a line for your address" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a line" functions primarily as a request or instruction, asking someone to supply a specific piece of text, information, or a response. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide a line" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for requesting or instructing someone to supply a piece of text or information. Ludwig highlights its utility across various contexts, including news, science, and general instructions. While it maintains a neutral register, the choice of more formal alternatives should be considered in academic or business settings. Remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity and to consider alternative phrasings to maintain style and clarity. This analysis offers practical guidance on how to effectively use "provide a line" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a sentence

Replaces 'line' with 'sentence', focusing on providing a specific sentence.

give a phrase

Substitutes 'provide' with 'give', offering a more direct and simpler alternative.

supply a statement

Replaces 'line' with 'statement', suggesting a more formal or official provision.

furnish a detail

Changes 'provide' to 'furnish' and 'line' to 'detail', implying a more elaborate or specific piece of information.

present a reason

Shifts the context to presenting a rationale or justification, instead of simply providing information.

offer an explanation

Focuses on providing a detailed explanation or clarification.

present an argument

Highlights the offering of a logical or persuasive argument.

submit a request

Changes the context to submitting a formal request or application.

share a thought

Implies the sharing of an idea or opinion, rather than providing factual information.

express an opinion

Focuses on the expression of personal beliefs or viewpoints.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide a line" when you are asking someone to offer a specific piece of information, like "Please provide a line of reasoning for your conclusion" or "Provide a line for your signature on the form".

What can I say instead of "provide a line"?

Alternatives include "offer a sentence", "give a phrase", or "supply a statement", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "provide a line" in formal writing?

Yes, "provide a line" is generally correct and acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise alternatives like "furnish a detail" or "supply a statement" for added clarity.

What's the difference between "provide a line" and "give a line"?

"Provide a line" and "give a phrase" are similar, but "provide" can sound slightly more formal or professional. The choice depends on the overall tone and context of your writing.