tenuous line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or fragile distinction or connection between two ideas, concepts, or situations. Example: "There is a tenuous line between creativity and chaos, and it can be difficult to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was a tenuous line.

The New Yorker

It is a tenuous line of work — a lesson he learned from his time in Indianapolis.

The New York Times - Sports

Like Kesey's novel too it broods over the tenuous line that divides the sane from the insane.

The New York Times - Books

It is a tenuous line, but about the best you can do in trying to link this National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament with those of the past.

The New York Times - Sports

Once and young, they come, hungry to walk that tenuous line between self-awareness and self-delusion necessary for the act of creation.

TechCrunch

But ultimately this does mean that Spotify gains control over tech that underpins its rivals' offerings, which is always going to be a tenuous line to walk at best when entire ecosystems depend on the products involved.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

OK, so they're tenuous lines at best.

Independent

The masklike vacancy of von Janikowski's face is uncompromisingly rendered with strong drawing, heavily incised lines and sickly yellow-green coloring, against a feverish ground of tenuous lines and scumbled colors.

The New York Times - Arts

Essentially, the GOP has not merely attempted to blur the lines as much as they have worked to abolish the already tenuous lines between religion and government.

Huffington Post

With all due respect to the talented Steven Soderbergh, one wonders whether this country really needs a further blurring of the already-tenuous line between reality and fiction ["Hypperreality TV: Political Fact Meets HBO Fiction" by Jill Abramson, Aug. 24].

The New York Times - Arts

Between 22 April and 29 May 1943, the 2/7th Infantry Battalion, at the end of a long and tenuous supply line, unsuccessfully attacked the southern extremity of Japanese lines, the Mubo area, at features known to the Allies as "The Pimple" and "Green Hill", north of Lababia Ridge.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tenuous line", ensure the context clearly establishes what two elements are being tenuously connected or separated. For example, "the tenuous line between confidence and arrogance" provides better clarity than simply stating "the tenuous line".

Common error

Avoid using "tenuous line" when a stronger, more definitive separation or connection is intended. "Tenuous" implies a noticeable but easily disrupted link; using it when a robust or nonexistent relationship is more accurate weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'tenuous' modifies 'line'. It describes a connection, distinction, or boundary that is weak, fragile, or easily disrupted. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tenuous line" is a valid and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a fragile or weak connection or distinction, often used in contexts where uncertainty or instability is present. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the elements being connected or separated, and avoid using it where a stronger relationship is more accurate. Alternatives like "fragile boundary" or "weak connection" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile boundary

Emphasizes the delicate and easily broken nature of the boundary.

weak connection

Focuses on the strength of the relationship being insubstantial.

precarious link

Highlights the instability and risk associated with the connection.

shaky alliance

Suggests an unreliable and unstable partnership.

flimsy barrier

Indicates a barrier that is easily overcome or bypassed.

uncertain division

Emphasizes the ambiguity and lack of clarity in the separation.

delicate balance

Highlights the sensitivity and ease with which the equilibrium can be disturbed.

thin partition

Indicates a separation that is minimal and offers little resistance.

vulnerable front

Focuses on the exposed and easily compromised nature of a defensive line.

unstable relationship

Suggests a connection prone to collapse or discord.

FAQs

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

You can use "tenuous line" to describe a fragile or weak connection or distinction between two things. For example, "There is a "tenuous line" between bravery and recklessness."

What phrases are similar to "tenuous line"?

Alternatives to "tenuous line" include "fragile boundary", "weak connection", or "precarious link".

Is it appropriate to use "tenuous line" in formal writing?

Yes, "tenuous line" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing abstract concepts or relationships. Its usage in reputable news sources and academic texts supports its suitability for professional contexts.

What is the difference between "tenuous line" and "thin line"?

While both phrases suggest a delicate distinction, "tenuous line" emphasizes weakness or instability, while "thin line" primarily focuses on the narrowness of the separation.