were in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people are waiting in a queue or following a sequence. Example: "The customers were in line at the checkout, patiently waiting for their turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

you were in line for the bathroom.

The New York Times

Results were in line with our forecasts.

The Guardian - Business

But he and I were in line".

The New York Times - Magazine

Sales were in line with analysts' estimates.

The New York Times

All were in line with forecasts.

The New York Times

Expectations were in line with reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The numbers were in line with forecasts from last month.

The New York Times

The figures were in line with Wall Street expectations.

The New York Times

The results were in line with estimates by analysts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Obviously, continuing operations were in-line or better.

Forbes

eBay reported third quarter earnings today, which were in-line with Wall Street expectations.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you are referring to a literal line of people, make sure the context provides clarity to avoid misinterpretations. Add details, such as "waiting in line".

Common error

Avoid using "were in line" when a more precise term like "consistent with" or "compliant with" would better convey the intended meaning, especially in formal writing or technical reports. Always consider the potential for ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were in line" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating agreement, alignment, or queue positioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, such as aligning with expectations or physically standing in a queue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were in line" is a versatile expression used to indicate alignment, agreement, or a position in a queue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "consistent with" or "in accordance with". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being aligned with what. Understanding the nuances and contexts, along with heeding the potential for ambiguity can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were queued up

Implies a waiting order or sequence, similar to being "in line" but specifically emphasizes the act of queuing.

were waiting in queue

This emphasizes the action of waiting in a queue, focusing more on the activity rather than the state.

were consistent with

This alternative emphasizes consistency or agreement with a standard or expectation, differing slightly in focus from a literal line or queue.

were in agreement with

Focuses on a state of agreement or consensus, moving away from the literal meaning of being physically aligned.

were compliant with

Highlights adherence to rules or regulations, shifting the context to compliance rather than physical alignment.

were in accordance with

Indicates conformity or harmony with a set of principles or guidelines, altering the initial context.

were in conformity with

Indicates agreement or compliance, with a stronger emphasis on adhering to established norms or standards.

were acting in accordance with

Focuses on the action of behaving in a way that aligns with certain principles, differing from a static state.

corresponded with

Highlights a relationship of correspondence or matching, subtly changing the meaning.

were following

This indicates adherence to a set of instructions or principles, differing slightly in context.

FAQs

How can I use "were in line" in a sentence?

You can use "were in line" to describe people waiting in a queue (e.g., "The customers "were in line" at the checkout") or to indicate that results or expectations aligned (e.g., "The figures "were in line" with analysts' estimates").

What are some alternatives to the phrase "were in line"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were consistent with", "were compliant with", "were in accordance with", or "were queued up".

When is it appropriate to use "were in line" versus "were consistent with"?

"Were in line" is suitable when indicating a direct alignment or correspondence, while "were consistent with" is better when emphasizing agreement or adherence to a standard or expectation. For instance, "the survey results "were in line" with previous findings," but "the procedures "were consistent with" industry standards."

Is "were in line" formal or informal language?

The phrase "were in line" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives like "were consistent with" or "were in accordance with" to enhance clarity.