there was a line that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a line that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific line or statement from a text, speech, or conversation that is being referenced or quoted. Example: "In the novel, there was a line that resonated deeply with me: 'The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"But every time I went after the code there was a line that addressed the problem".

The New Yorker

"They started to check cars, and within four or five minutes there was a line that was as long as the bridge".

The New Yorker

"In that movie there was a line that said something like, if Seabiscuit just looks into the other horse's eyes, Seabiscuit is not going to lose" Miranda said.

The New York Times - Sports

And there was a line that clearly applied to Harmon himself, with a trademark mixture of insight, self-pity, and grandiosity: "That's why critics could call him a genius or an idiot and be right no matter what".

The New Yorker

There was a line that stood out in Barack Obama's second inaugural address last month, but not in a carve-it-on-the-Lincoln-memorial sort of way.

BBC

No, there was a line that was drawn.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"But there's a line that gets crossed, and people are getting injured".

The New York Times - Sports

There's a line that's put in there affectionately that my mum said to me when I was 18.

The Guardian

But there is a line that connects the years and supports the exploratory fervor of the painting.

The New York Times - Arts

"There is a line that runs through Sun Ra, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis and what Funkadelic did," Clinton says.

The Guardian - Music

"Surprise surprise," said Neville.  "I accept anything that is said by the media but there is a line that is sometimes crossed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there was a line that", ensure the line you are referring to is clearly identified and relevant to the context of your writing. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a line that" without providing sufficient context or directly quoting the line. This can confuse readers and diminish the impact of your statement. Always specify where the line comes from or what it pertains to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a line that" functions as a relative clause introducer. It sets up the introduction of a specific quotation, statement, or phrase, drawing attention to its content or significance within a larger context. Ludwig provides multiple examples of this usage across different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was a line that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a particular quote or statement. As shown by Ludwig, it is common in news, media, and science, with neutral register. While the phrase is generally correct, it is important to provide enough context to prevent confusion and make sure the reference contributes meaningfully to what you're writing. Remember to clearly quote the referenced line and cite the source correctly. By doing so, you are enhancing the clarity of your speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular sentence stated that

Replaces the indefinite "line" with a more specific "sentence" and uses "stated" instead of "was".

a specific passage mentioned that

Substitutes "line" with "passage" and "was" with "mentioned", offering a slightly more formal tone.

a notable remark indicated that

Emphasizes the significance of the statement using "notable" and replaces "was" with "indicated".

a key point suggested that

Focuses on the importance of the message conveyed, using "key point" and "suggested".

a critical element implied that

Highlights an indirect communication, replacing "line" with "element" and using "implied".

the preceding statement was

Focuses on something that happened just before.

the distinction was

Emphasizes a separation or difference. Keeps the sentence structure close to the original.

the aforementioned limit

Makes a referral to a limit or boundary.

a connection existed

Focuses on the connection or link.

the situation changed because

Highlights a state of events or position.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a line that" in a sentence?

Use "there was a line that" to introduce a specific quote or statement from a source. For example, "In the film Casablanca, there was a line that perfectly captures the feeling of bittersweet longing".

What are some alternatives to "there was a line that"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular sentence stated that", "a specific passage mentioned that", or "a notable remark indicated that" depending on the context.

Is it better to directly quote the line after using "there was a line that"?

Yes, directly quoting the line after using "there was a line that" is the best practice. It ensures clarity and provides the reader with the exact reference you are discussing. For example, "There was a line that I never forgot: 'I'll be back'".

When is it appropriate to use "there was a line that" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "there was a line that" in formal writing when you need to reference a specific statement from a text, speech, or conversation. Ensure that the source is credible and the reference adds value to your argument or analysis.