serious line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or important statement or boundary in a discussion or context. Example: "When discussing sensitive topics, it's crucial to draw a serious line to ensure everyone feels respected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Vince Cable is taking a more serious line, though.

The Guardian - Business

Finally, protective gloves should be worn to prevent serious line burn when flying hard-pulling kites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"So far," he said, "we haven't convinced the committee on academic programs that gaming is a serious line of inquiry".

The New York Times

But when they intrude into our private space, disregard our safety and the safety of others, that crosses a serious line that shouldn't be ignored".

Independent

A1 Mr. Bush said reports that raised fresh questions about Mr. Gore's fund-raising efforts suggested that the vice president "may have crossed a serious line".

The New York Times

Gov. George W. Bush quickly turned a news report that raised fresh questions about Vice President Al Gore's fund-raising efforts into a bludgeon against Mr. Gore today, saying the vice president "may have crossed a serious line".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But a Microsoft supporter said that Judge Jackson's comments over time have crossed "pretty serious lines".

The New York Times

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have dominated the proceedings but other MPs have also popped up with a few sound bites, planted questions, funny and serious lines of their own.

BBC

On both sides of the narrative, you're quickly confronted with actors intoning serious lines about things like the Horde, the Fel and the Guardian, and you've got characters (some of them from the games) with hard-to-pronounce names like Anduin Lothar and Medivh.

TechCrunch

Another pioneer was the author EM Forster's niece, Mary Arnold-Forster, who wrote a guidebook to lucid dreaming in the 1920s; she used her dream awareness to avoid frightening nightmares about World War I. Arnold-Forster and Saint-Denys's work was mostly ignored, however, and during the following decades lucid dreams were over-looked for more "serious" lines of enquiry.

BBC

Saturday crowds included Miss Florida U.S. International and "Real Housewives of Miami" stars Alexia Echevarria and Marysol Patton, all expecting a show that is a refreshing break from the otherwise more serious line-up at Swim Week Miami.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious line", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being taken seriously, whether it's a statement, boundary, or indication. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "serious line" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more relatable phrases to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious line" functions as a noun phrase, where 'serious' modifies 'line'. It describes a boundary or statement that is considered important and not to be disregarded. As shown by Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious line" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, primarily found in News & Media and formal contexts. It effectively communicates the significance of a boundary, demarcation, or statement that warrants careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is deemed correct and suitable for formal discourse. For alternative expressions, consider options like "important boundary", "critical juncture", or "grave matter", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When employing "serious line", ensure clarity and avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important boundary

Highlights the significance of a limit or border that should not be crossed.

consequential matter

Stresses the importance and far-reaching effects of an issue.

grave matter

Focuses on the severity of the subject at hand.

key indicator

Focuses on something that serves as a crucial sign or signal.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and decisiveness of the moment or point.

stern warning

Conveys a severe cautionary message.

notable distinction

Emphasizes a clear and important difference.

significant demarcation

Stresses the act of clearly setting or marking a limit.

major division

Highlights a significant split or difference.

solemn statement

Indicates a serious and formal declaration.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious line" to describe a boundary that should not be crossed, as in "His behavior crossed a "serious line" when he started making personal attacks."

What are some alternatives to "serious line"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "important boundary", "critical point", or "grave matter".

When is it appropriate to use "serious line" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "serious line" in formal and professional contexts, such as news articles, business reports, and academic papers. Avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing.

Is "serious line" interchangeable with "red line"?

While both phrases imply a boundary, "red line" typically indicates a point beyond which specific actions will trigger consequences. "Serious line" is a more general term for any significant boundary or point of concern.