the standard line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the standard line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a commonly accepted or typical response, statement, or position on a particular issue. Example: "When asked about the company's future plans, the CEO stuck to the standard line about growth and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the standard line when it comes to balance.

The New York Times - Sports

The standard line from his advisers would naturally be that he's the president of all Americans.

The New York Times

The standard line about Coogan is that he's attracted to extremes and has an addictive personality.

The Guardian

The standard line is that they are terrorists and were torturing people.

The Guardian

"The standard line was: 'Don't talk to patients about the experience.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My job is to catch, not to hit," remains the standard line ofthe Boston catcher.

The New York Times - Sports

The standard line is that you can get anywhere in 15 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you ask for a pay rise, the standard line from management is, "We're barely breaking even.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here in New York, the standard line is that we don't care if they don't care about our Subway Series.

The New York Times - Sports

"For only the second time in American history" a President would be impeached, went the standard line.

The New York Times

Two vessel segmentation approaches are applied, using the standard line operator and a novel modified line operator.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the standard line" when you want to convey that a particular statement or argument is commonly used or accepted, often without critical examination. It's useful for highlighting a lack of originality or a reliance on conventional thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "the standard line" excessively in formal or academic writing. While the phrase is widely understood, overuse can make your writing sound dismissive or lacking in original analysis. Consider more formal alternatives like "the prevailing view" or "the established consensus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the standard line" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or direct object. It denotes a conventional or commonly accepted statement, argument, or position, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the standard line" is a common English phrase used to describe a typical or conventional response or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across different domains. While its frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts highlights its versatility, it is essential to consider the potential for overuse in formal settings. When writing, remember that this phrase can be replaced by synonyms such as "the usual response", "the common refrain", or "the party line" to highlight different aspects of the message. By understanding the phrase's function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate it into their work while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the usual response

Focuses on the typical nature of the reply or reaction.

the common refrain

Highlights the repetitive nature of the statement.

the typical argument

Emphasizes the reasoning behind the statement.

the party line

Refers to the official stance of a group or organization.

the stock answer

Highlights the unoriginal and pre-prepared nature of the reply.

the conventional wisdom

Focuses on the broadly accepted belief or understanding.

the accepted narrative

Emphasizes the story or account that is generally agreed upon.

the official position

Indicates the formal and authorized viewpoint.

the go-to explanation

Highlights the most readily available and frequently used explanation.

the default setting

Suggests a pre-determined or automatic response.

FAQs

How can I use "the standard line" in a sentence?

You can use "the standard line" to indicate a common or typical response or argument, as in "When questioned about their environmental impact, the company gave "the standard line" about sustainability and corporate responsibility".

What's a less informal alternative to "the standard line"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the prevailing view", "the established consensus", or "the commonly held belief". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "the standard line" and "the party line"?

"The standard line" refers to a generally accepted or typical response, while "the party line" specifically refers to the official stance or policy of a political party or organization.

What can I say instead of "the standard line" if I want to emphasize that the statement is unoriginal?

If you want to highlight the unoriginality of the statement, you could use phrases like "the stock answer" or "the canned response". These alternatives suggest that the statement is pre-prepared and lacks genuine thought.