state line

USAGE SUMMARY

"state line" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically refers to the boundary line between two states and can be used as either a noun or an adjective. For example: "They drove across the state line into California."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Instead, those passions turned across the state line.

The New York Times

And why haven't they migrated beyond the state line?

The New York Times - Food

Nor does the list end at the state line.

The New York Times

We've just crossed the state line into Colorado.

The Guardian - Travel

We barely noticed crossing the Montana state line.

The New York Times - Travel

The state line markers, in other words, are accurate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Colorado State Line to Pathfinder and Guernsey.

Cornell University

Nobody who crosses a state line is an outsider.

The New Yorker

They should know better than to play politics on the church-state line.

The New York Times

We'd crossed the state line.

The New Yorker

But what's a mere state line in pop-branding cyberspace?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or jurisdictional issues, use "state line" to clearly indicate the boundary where different laws may apply.

Common error

Avoid using "state line" when referring to other types of lines, such as "production line" or "clothes line". Ensure the context clearly indicates a geographical boundary between states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state line" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting the boundary separating two states. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples from news sources illustrate its use in describing physical locations and jurisdictional limits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

37%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state line" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the boundary between two states. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to legal and geographical discussions. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of identifying a significant geographical boundary. While its register is generally neutral, it can adopt a more formal tone in specific contexts. Related phrases include "border between states" and "interstate boundary", offering alternative ways to convey the same concept. When using "state line", ensure clarity and avoid confusion with other types of lines. Its high frequency and widespread use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and Wikipedia underscore its importance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

border between states

Replaces "line" with "border", emphasizing the boundary's physical presence.

interstate boundary

Uses a more formal term, "interstate", to describe the boundary.

boundary of a state

Focuses on the boundary as belonging to a single state.

dividing line between states

Highlights the function of the line as a divider.

state demarcation

Uses a more technical and formal term, "demarcation", for the boundary.

edge of the state

Describes the boundary as the "edge" rather than a line.

state's perimeter

Employs "perimeter" to indicate the outer boundary of a state.

frontier between states

Uses "frontier", suggesting a more historical or undeveloped boundary.

geographical boundary of a state

Adds "geographical" to emphasize the physical nature of the boundary.

limit of a state

Focuses on the boundary as a limit or restriction.

FAQs

How to use "state line" in a sentence?

You can use "state line" to describe a boundary between states, such as "The town straddles the "state line" between Tennessee and Virginia".

What can I say instead of "state line"?

You can use alternatives like "border between states", "interstate boundary", or "boundary of a state" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "state line" or "state borderline"?

"State line" is the more common and concise term. "State borderline" is less frequently used and can sound redundant, as "line" already implies a border.

What's the difference between "state line" and "county line"?

A ""state line"" marks the boundary between two states, while a "county line" marks the boundary between two counties within a state. They operate at different levels of geographical division.