recite a line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recite a line" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to repeat or quote a specific line from a text, poem, or song. Example: "During the poetry reading, I asked her to recite a line from her favorite poem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But asking them to recite a line they read somewhere on your corporate website won't tell you much.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At times he can recite a line or two of Pushkin, or do a mathematical calculation in his head.

The New York Times

I ask him to recite a line that helped him through his life and he does – beautifully.

The Guardian

In "Open the Door," Carroll plays an unwilling role as Lena forces him to recite a line in exchange for her buzzing him in to the apartment.

The New Yorker

Ralph Fiennes plays a director trying to get his star to recite a line with the requisite class but struggles, repeatedly, to get the reading he so desires.

The Guardian - Film

It's like their mother," he responds, going on to recite a line comparing Indigenous people "arguing over rocks" to two fleas arguing over who owns a dog.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Everyone says, 'You work hard,'" Mr. Favreau said, reciting a line from the speech.

The New York Times

She recites a line from Philip Larkin's poem Wires: "Young steers become old cattle…", and laughs.

The Guardian

"Industry practice was also not to disclose," she said, reciting a line from the defense's playbook.

The New York Times

"We have no other choice: victory or death," he added, reciting a line often used by rebels.

The New York Times

At the end of the session, everyone held hands in a prayer circle and each person recited a line from the script.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "recite a line", be specific about the source to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the poem, play, or speech the line is from.

Common error

Avoid using "recite" when you mean simply 'to say' something. "Recite" implies a formal or memorized repetition, not casual speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recite a line" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "recite" is the verb indicating the action of repeating something from memory, and "a line" serves as the direct object specifying what is being repeated. Ludwig indicates this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recite a line" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to ask someone to repeat a specific line from a text. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. When using the phrase, be sure to provide enough context so the listener or reader knows the specific source of the line. While alternatives like "quote a line" or ""repeat a phrase"" exist, "recite a line" effectively conveys the act of repeating something memorized or formally presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quote a sentence

Focuses on quoting a complete sentence instead of just a line.

repeat a phrase

Emphasizes the act of repeating a specific phrase.

utter a sentence

Highlights the act of speaking a complete sentence.

deliver a line

Suggests a formal or theatrical delivery of a line.

utter a phrase

Focuses on speaking a specific phrase.

speak a sentence

Highlights the act of verbally expressing a complete sentence.

read out a line

Emphasizes the act of reading a line aloud.

repeat a sentence

Highlights the act of repeating a complete sentence verbatim.

state a line

Focuses on formally stating a line.

quote a phrase

Emphasizes quoting a part of a sentence or expression

FAQs

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

You can use "recite a line" when you want someone to repeat or quote a particular line from a text, poem, or play. For example: "The teacher asked the student to recite a line from Shakespeare."

What's a more formal way to say "recite a line"?

A more formal alternative to "recite a line" could be to request someone to "quote a line" or "repeat a line verbatim".

Which is correct, "recite a line" or "recite the line"?

Both "recite a line" and "recite the line" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Recite a line" implies any line, while "recite the line" suggests a specific line already known to both parties.

What can I ask someone to do besides "recite a line"?

Depending on the context, you could ask someone to "repeat a phrase", "read out a line", or "deliver a line".