there is a line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'there is a line' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it: - to provide a figure of speech for emphasizing a divide between two things, e.g. "There is a line between our beliefs that we should not cross". - to explain the presence of a border or marking, e.g. "There is a line drawn in the sand between our two territories". - to emphasize a difference between people or things, e.g. "There is a line between those who are willing to help and those who are not".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In British comedy there is a line in the sand - and that line is Billy Connolly.

BBC

"I think there is a line there.

The Guardian

There is a line for deliveries.

The New York Times

"There is a line," Mr. Ornstein said.

The New York Times

There is a line to be drawn".

The New York Times

"With Chinese men, there is a line you cannot cross.

The New York Times

There is a line in 'Lipstick Traces' that I love.

The New Yorker

There is a line you have to follow.

The Economist

There is a line of corrugated-iron privies.

The New York Times

But there is a line that one cannot cross.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is a line we cannot cross," the spokesman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is a line" to indicate a boundary, limit, or queue. Ensure the context clearly defines what the 'line' refers to, whether it's a physical queue, a metaphorical boundary, or a limit of acceptable behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a line" in contexts where a more direct description of a boundary or limit would be clearer. Overusing the metaphor can make your writing vague or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a line" functions as an existential statement, asserting the presence of a boundary, limit, or queue. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to indicate a division or demarcation, whether physical or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there is a line" is a versatile expression used to denote the existence of a boundary, limit, or queue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, but writers should be mindful of the specific context to ensure clarity. While alternatives exist, "there is a line" remains a frequently used and widely understood way to express a sense of division or limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a boundary exists

Replaces the idiomatic "there is a line" with a more direct statement of a boundary's existence.

a limit is present

Substitutes "line" with "limit" to emphasize a point beyond which something cannot or should not pass.

a demarcation is evident

Uses a more formal term, "demarcation", to suggest a clear separation or boundary.

a division is apparent

Highlights the separation or split that the line represents.

limits are in place

Focuses on the restrictions or constraints that exist.

a threshold exists

Emphasizes the idea of a point of entry or beginning, rather than just a boundary.

a border is established

Suggests a more formal or official boundary.

boundaries are set

Highlights the act of defining or establishing boundaries.

a queue is forming

Focuses on the physical formation of a line of people or things.

a waiting line is present

Specific to queuing scenarios, indicating a line of people waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a line" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a line" to describe a physical queue, such as "There is a line to get into the concert". It can also describe a boundary or limit, such as "There is a line between professional and personal relationships".

What's the difference between "there is a line" and "there is a boundary"?

"There is a line" often implies a more subtle or unspoken limit, while "there is a boundary" suggests a more defined and established separation. You can use alternatives like "a boundary exists".

What can I say instead of "there is a line"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a limit is present", "a demarcation is evident", or "a queue is forming".

Is it correct to say "there is a line" in formal writing?

Yes, "there is a line" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when referring to abstract boundaries. However, consider whether a more precise term like "limit" or "demarcation" would be more appropriate.