stepped out of the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stepped out of the line" is not correct in standard English; it should be "stepped out of line." You can use it to describe someone who has deviated from expected behavior or rules.
Example: "When he started making inappropriate comments during the meeting, he really stepped out of line."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

11 14 A.M. A woman stepped out of the line.

The New Yorker

I couldn't talk, and stepped out of the line to break down properly.

The New Yorker

A gentleman stepped out of the line and said, "maam, order your food, I'll watch out for the kids.

Huffington Post

I stepped out of the line and went home to exercise the best use of my time: I took a nap.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Thespis, when he founded our profession, stepped out of the chorus line to portray a god.

The Guardian

Serial creator Sarah Koenig, who stepped out of the press line Wednesday to embrace Syed's tearful mother, is both reporter and subject at these hearings.

Vice

You have to step out of the line to see how the entire formation works.

TechCrunch

When I stepped out of the booth, the line was twenty deep.

The New Yorker

She could have stepped out of the current plot line in Ambridge.

The Guardian - Music

The Giants led by 29-27 with nine seconds remaining, and Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair stepped out of the huddle and walked toward the line of scrimmage to attempt a 2-point conversion.

The New York Times - Sports

When Everett stepped out of the box, Kulpa drew a line with his left foot, then his right.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to deviating from expected behavior, use "stepped out of line" without the article "the". For example, "He stepped out of line when he made those inappropriate jokes."

Common error

Avoid using "stepped out of the line" when you mean someone physically left a queue. Use "left the line" for physical departures and "stepped out of line" (without 'the') for behavioral deviations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stepped out of the line" functions as a descriptive phrase, but it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests the correct idiom is "stepped out of line", used to describe a deviation from expected behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "stepped out of the line" may be understood in context, it is grammatically incorrect. The proper idiom to use when indicating someone has violated a rule or behaved inappropriately is "stepped out of line". As Ludwig AI points out, this correction is essential for clear and correct communication. Examples show the phrase appearing in news media, though it is rare overall. When describing a physical departure from a queue, "left the line" is more appropriate. Remember to avoid this common grammatical error to ensure your writing is clear and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepped out of line

Corrects the grammatical error by removing "the". It now refers to deviating from acceptable behavior or rules.

left the queue

Focuses specifically on the physical act of exiting a queue of people.

exited the line

Similar to "left the queue", but uses a more formal verb.

deviated from the queue

Highlights a departure from an established sequence or order.

abandoned the queue

Emphasizes a more permanent or decisive departure from the queue.

broke ranks

Suggests a disruption of a group or formation, often in a disciplined context.

defected from the queue

Implies a shift in loyalty or affiliation by leaving a queue.

veered off course

Metaphorically suggests a departure from a planned or expected path or direction.

went rogue

Signifies acting independently and against established norms or expectations.

stood apart from the crowd

Focuses on the individual act of distinguishing oneself from a larger group.

FAQs

What does "stepped out of line" mean?

The phrase "stepped out of line" means to deviate from what is considered acceptable behavior or to violate rules or norms. It's often used to describe someone who has acted inappropriately.

What can I say instead of "stepped out of line"?

Alternatives include "crossed the line", "went too far", or "acted inappropriately" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "stepped out of the line"?

No, the grammatically correct and idiomatic expression is "stepped out of line" without the "the". "Stepped out of the line" refers to physically exiting a queue, but it's not a common or standard phrase.

When should I use "left the line" instead of "stepped out of line"?

"Left the line" should be used when someone physically exits a queue or a literal line of people. "Stepped out of line" refers to improper behavior or a violation of rules.