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in line vs on line

Both 'in line' and 'on line' are correct, but they are used in different regions. 'In line' is more commonly used in American English to refer to standing in a queue, while 'on line' is more common in British English and refers to being connected to the internet.

Last updated: March 06, 2024 • 1461 views

in line

This phrase is correct and commonly used in American English to refer to standing in a queue.

Use 'in line' when referring to standing in a queue or waiting for your turn in a line of people.

Examples:

  • I am in line at the grocery store.
  • Please wait in line for your turn.
  • She stood patiently in line for the concert tickets.
  • There were many people in line for the new iPhone release.
  • Let's get in line for the roller coaster.
  • see definition of in line. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, adjective, adverb ... Synonyms for in line. adv next to, alongside. beside star · equal star.
  • in line with something. similar to something The company’s profits were in line with what was expected. See also: line · Cambridge Dictionary of American ...
  • having the parts or units arranged in a straight line; also : being so arranged. First Known Use of IN-LINE. 1929. The piratical history of "filibuster" ». Browse.
  • (of an internal-combustion engine) having the cylinders ranged side by side in one or more rows along the crankshaft. Origin of in-line. Expand. 1925-1930.

Alternatives:

  • waiting in line
  • standing in line
  • queuing up
  • lining up
  • waiting your turn

on line

This phrase is correct and commonly used in British English to refer to being connected to the internet.

Use 'on line' when referring to being connected to the internet or accessing information online.

Examples:

  • I need to go on line to check my email.
  • Are you on line right now?
  • The article is available on line for free.
  • She spends hours on line every day.
  • You can find the information on line.
  • You could be on line with somebody.
  • That brings all the satellites on line.
  • These continue to be major challenges for the audiovisual on line sector.
  • Just form up, get on line.
  • Member States shall ensure that the Letter of Rights is made accessible on line for ease of access.
  • It's hard to keep the impulse engines on line.
  • Ready to bring the interface on line.
  • Sheriff, border patrol on line one.
  • Your conference call is on line one.
  • Hank, Lydia Rodarte-Quayle on line one.
  • Nobody puts a foot on line without paying their dues. I did it.
  • Remy Danton's on line two.
  • Then I ordered ten American Girl outfits on line.
  • Will, Senator Haverstock is on line one.
  • The Chinese embassy's on line two.
  • Phone call on line one for Reba.
  • - Your father is on line one.
  • Mr. Draper is on line one.
  • - Diane, Viola Walsh on line one.
  • Mrs. Francis is on line one.

Alternatives:

  • online
  • connected to the internet
  • surfing the web
  • browsing online
  • accessing the internet

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