taking line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking line" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a specific context, such as "taking a line" in a conversation or a script, but as it stands, it lacks clarity. Example: "I was unsure about taking line during the rehearsal, as I didn't know my cues."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I would be back in the toilets with Freddie and Kenny, taking line after line.

The Guardian

The striper then realized its mistake and tore off, taking line in bursts while shaking its head.

The New York Times - Sports

After a layoff of a month and a half, It was wonderful to have a strong fish: taking line, rushing the boat, sounding, shaking his head.

The New York Times - Sports

He has long been a key member of the crew on Wild Oats XI, the 100-foot supermaxi that has been the most successful big boat in the Sydney-to-Hobart's history, taking line honors in five of the last six races.

The New York Times - Sports

If you are fencing an opponent who keeps on taking line, or, in the case of épée, continually holds you at bay with an extension towards your head, a bind into any pronated parry will often have pleasing results.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He took line, shook, sounded.

The New York Times - Sports

The fish took line: first my shooting head, then my running line, then my backing.

The New York Times - Sports

Fischer won the overall in 1992 and took line honors in 1988 and 1990.

The New York Times - Sports

— Alex Ovechkin wore gray as he took line rushes at practice here Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

ROBERT TOWSE's Farr 65 Blue Yankee took line honors on Thursday for first to finish.

The New York Times - Sports

It took line slowly at first, then accelerated, and finally hurled itself from the river.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a fishing line being pulled by a fish, use the phrase "taking line out" to describe the action.

Common error

Be careful when using the phrase "taking line" in contexts where the meaning is unclear. Instead, specify what kind of line you are referring to and what action is being performed on it. Otherwise, consider a more common phrase like "taking a position".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking line" functions as a verb phrase, where "taking" is a present participle acting as a verb and "line" is the direct object. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is not correct in all contexts and often requires further clarification or a more specific expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "taking line" appears in certain specific contexts—such as fishing, sailing, and fencing—Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as not always grammatically correct and often lacking clarity. When using "taking line", ensure the context is clear and consider more precise alternatives if necessary. The phrase is more common in news, media and wiki-based sources but is relatively rare overall. Therefore, users should carefully consider the intended meaning and audience when using "taking line", and weigh it against other options like "adopting a stance" or "pursuing a direction" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopting a position

Focuses on choosing a specific stance or viewpoint, moving away from the literal 'line'.

drawing a conclusion

Shifts the focus to reaching a conclusion, using 'line' metaphorically as a path to understanding.

following a course

Emphasizes adherence to a particular path or strategy, differing from the direct action of 'taking'.

embracing a strategy

Highlights the adoption of a specific plan or approach, using 'line' more abstractly.

pursuing a direction

Highlights the active chase of a specific direction.

accepting a premise

Focuses on agreeing with or adopting a foundational statement, moving further from the literal 'line'.

endorsing a view

Highlights the support of a specific view.

championing a cause

Highlights the defense of a cause.

espousing a belief

Highlights the public demonstration of a belief.

commanding a unit

Highlights the command of a military unit.

FAQs

How can I use "taking line" in a sentence about fishing?

In the context of fishing, you can say "The fish was "taking line out" rapidly as it swam away".

What does "taking line honors" mean in sailing?

"Taking line honors" in sailing refers to being the first boat to cross the finish line, regardless of handicap adjustments. It signifies the fastest elapsed time for the race.

Is "taking line" grammatically correct in all contexts?

No, "taking line" is not universally grammatically correct. It's often used in specific contexts like fishing or sailing. In other cases, a more specific phrase such as "taking a line" or "taking a position" might be more appropriate.

Are there better alternatives to "taking line" in general writing?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives to "taking line" could include "adopting a stance", "following a strategy", or "taking action". The best choice depends on the specific context.