walk in a straight line

USAGE SUMMARY

"walk in a straight line" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as giving directions or describing someone's behavior or movement. For example: - "To get to the park, walk in a straight line for two blocks and then turn left." - "The students were instructed to walk in a straight line from the classroom to the library." - "Despite the crowd, the performer managed to walk in a straight line across the stage." - "The drunk man stumbled, unable to walk in a straight line." - "Please walk in a straight line during the parade and stay in formation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It seems easy to walk in a straight line," Souman told me.

The New Yorker

"I don't know if I can walk in a straight line that well, I might fumble around, so maybe not.

Independent

The chart heart-throb admitted he would struggle to do a celebrity turn at a fashion show because he struggles to even walk in a straight line.

Independent

They are not a flat surface, and they move, so it's difficult not to knock them together and hard to make them walk in a straight line".

The New York Times

It can affect not just the mind but also the body – I start to stumble when I walk, or become unable to walk in a straight line.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where else will I get to see people failing to walk in a straight line or fulfilling any kind of basic motor function?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He can't really walk in a straight line unless he's climbing upward," Julie Cohen, who made a 1998 documentary, "The Wall Crawler," about Robert, and has since served as his sometime agent, says.

The New Yorker

After midnight, along the sidewalks west of Times Square, Navy personnel could be identified, with about eighty-to-ninety-five-per-cent accuracy, by their inability to walk in a straight line.

The New Yorker

Behind the camera, the neurologist asks her to walk in a straight line but her gait is uncoordinated; her legs shuffle clumsily from side to side and her back is oddly arched.

The Guardian

But I can barely walk in a straight line without falling over: I'm known for misjudging the placement of walls and walking directly into doorjambs; I can barely ride a bike; and I can't even roller skate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Take away the swishy noises and the terrifying faceless creatures, and it may as well be called Walk In A Straight Line Or Throw A Ball Into This Bin Or Something.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "walk in a straight line" in descriptive writing, consider the context. Is it literal (physical movement), or figurative (behavior, sobriety)? Choose synonyms or related phrases to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "walk in a straight line" as a generic substitute for phrases like "behave properly" or "stay focused". The literal image of walking should be relevant, otherwise opt for more precise wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walk in a straight line" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of moving forward along a direct, undeviating path. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. Its usage ranges from literal descriptions to figurative implications of sobriety or moral rectitude. For example, someone might be asked to "walk in a straight line" to assess their physical condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

27%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "walk in a straight line" is a common and grammatically sound expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase with a range of applications, from describing literal movement to implying sobriety or moral behavior. While most frequently encountered in news and media, it also appears in scientific and general contexts. When writing, be mindful of the context and whether the literal image of walking is relevant. While the phrase is widely understood, synonyms like "proceed directly" or "stay on the straight and narrow" may enhance clarity in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed directly

Focuses on direct movement, omitting the manner of walking or potential difficulty.

move in a direct course

Emphasizes the path of movement, but lacks the implication of stability or sobriety.

maintain a straight course

Highlights the act of keeping a path straight, and does not necessarily involve walking.

not deviate from the path

Focuses on avoiding detours or distractions.

follow a set path

Indicates adherence to a route, whether literal or figurative, without implying straightness.

stay on the straight and narrow

Shifts from physical movement to moral conduct, implying adherence to rules.

keep a steady gait

Emphasizes the steadiness of walking rather than the straightness of the line.

behave properly

Broadens the concept to general good behavior, losing the literal sense of walking.

toe the line

Implies obedience and conformity to rules or expectations.

keep it together

Implies remaining composed, and is often used in situations involving struggle, but lacks implication of direction.

FAQs

How can I use "walk in a straight line" in a sentence?

You can use "walk in a straight line" to describe the literal action of walking directly, as in, "The police officer asked the suspect to "walk in a straight line" to test his sobriety". Figuratively, it can imply behaving properly or staying focused.

What does it mean to "walk in a straight line"?

Literally, to "walk in a straight line" means to move forward without deviating from a direct path. Figuratively, it can mean to behave morally or to stay focused on a specific goal without distractions.

What can I say instead of "walk in a straight line" when referring to good behavior?

When referring to good behavior, you can use alternatives like "stay on the straight and narrow", "behave properly", or "toe the line" depending on the specific context.

Is it always easy to "walk in a straight line"?

Physically, walking in a straight line can be challenging without visual cues, as demonstrated by experiments where people circle when trying to walk straight in unfamiliar terrain. Figuratively, it can be difficult to "stay focused" or "behave properly", requiring conscious effort.