think along the same lines

USAGE SUMMARY

"think along the same lines" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to have similar thoughts or ideas as someone else. Example: "We may have different approaches, but ultimately we think along the same lines when it comes to problem-solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I think the vast majority of people in Britain think along the same lines.

Independent

Back in London, colleagues were starting to think along the same lines.

The Guardian

It wants to pretend minorities are homogeneous groups who think along the same lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a shame Podolski does not think along the same lines.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the Arab leaders, although initially stunned and angry, were privately ready to think along the same lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

In September, when the Empathy Museum opens to the public, he will ask visitors to think along the same lines as Thoreau: the first exhibit will be called A Mile In My Shoes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We indeed think along the same line but apparently failed to articulate it clearly in the original manuscript.

eLife

There are architects who have thought along the same lines.

The New York Times

What I find interesting is that Kennan thought along the same lines as Henry Morgenthau Jr.; for more than 50 years, Morgenthau has been denounced as having conceived a "draconian" plan for the reconstitution of post-World War II Germany.

The New York Times - Books

Vialli now co-runs a company called Tifosy who look to strengthen the bond between clubs and their fanbase by providing a platform for supporters to invest, and thinks along the same lines as Rodger.

Independent

Marriner Eccles, a Mormon banker who thought along the same lines as John Maynard Keynes, warned that the recovery was too fragile; so did the tiny handful of US economists who'd actually heard of Keynes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think along the same lines" when you want to express that two or more people or entities have similar ideas, opinions, or approaches to a subject. It is suitable for describing shared perspectives in discussions, analyses, and collaborative projects.

Common error

Avoid using "think along the same lines" when there is only a superficial agreement. This phrase implies a deeper alignment of thought processes, not just a coincidental agreement on a single point. Ensure there is a genuine similarity in reasoning and perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think along the same lines" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a similarity in thought processes or opinions. It suggests that individuals or groups share a common perspective or approach. According to Ludwig AI, it is correctly and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think along the same lines" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a similarity in thought processes or opinions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It frequently appears in "News & Media", "Science", and "Encyclopedias", suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that there is a genuine alignment of thinking, not just a superficial agreement. For alternative ways to express a similar idea, consider phrases like ""share the same viewpoint"", "see eye to eye", or ""be of the same mind"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share the same viewpoint

Emphasizes having a common perspective or opinion.

see eye to eye

Highlights agreement and shared understanding.

be of the same mind

Focuses on having identical thoughts or opinions.

have similar ideas

Highlights the similarity in concepts and thoughts.

agree with each other

Stresses the agreement between individuals.

be on the same wavelength

Suggests an intuitive understanding and agreement.

have a common understanding

Focuses on sharing the same comprehension of a subject.

converge in opinion

Indicates a coming together of different opinions to a shared one.

hold the same view

Emphasizes having the same perspective or belief.

be in agreement

Formal way to indicate that people have matching ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "think along the same lines" in a sentence?

You can use "think along the same lines" to indicate that two or more people share similar ideas or opinions. For example, "The researchers "share the same viewpoint" on the issue" or "The team members "have similar ideas" about the project's direction".

What's a more formal way to say "think along the same lines"?

In more formal contexts, you could say "be in agreement", "converge in opinion", or "hold the same view". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same core meaning.

How does "think along the same lines" differ from simply "agreeing"?

"Think along the same lines" suggests a deeper alignment of thought processes and perspectives, while simply "agreeing" may only indicate a consensus on a particular point without necessarily sharing the same underlying reasoning. For example: "Both agreed on the budget, but approached it differently" (agreeing) vs. "The analysts "be of the same mind" regarding the market trends" (think along the same lines).

Is it correct to say someone "thinks on the same line" instead of "thinks along the same lines"?

While "think on the same line" might be understood, the standard and more widely accepted expression is "think along the same lines". The latter emphasizes a parallel direction of thought rather than a singular line.