TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

in the line vs on the line

Both 'in the line' and 'on the line' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the line' is used when referring to being physically inside a line or queue, while 'on the line' is used when referring to being at risk or in a critical situation.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 2510 views

in the line

This phrase is correct when referring to being physically inside a line or queue.

Use 'in the line' when describing someone or something that is physically located within a line or queue of people or objects.

Examples:

  • Please wait in the line for your turn.
  • She stood patiently in the line at the grocery store.
  • The children were excited to be in the line for the roller coaster.
  • There was a long wait in the line for the concert tickets.
  • He was the last person in the line for the bus.
  • In the Line of Fire -- Clint Eastwood delivers the goods as a veteran Secret · In ... Still of Clint Eastwood and Dylan McDermott in In the Line of Fire (1993) · Still of ...
  • In the Line of Fire is a 1993 American action thriller film directed by Wolfgang Petersen, and starring Clint Eastwood and John Malkovich. Written by Jeff Maguire, ...
  • In the Line of Duty: The only provider of reality-based law enforcement video training. Feature Rich Law Enforcement Education and Training; Using real video , ...
  • in a situation in which you may be severely criticized Maria was willing to place herself in the line of fire and accept the blame if the music festival failed. Related  ...

Alternatives:

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

on the line

This phrase is correct when referring to being at risk or in a critical situation.

Use 'on the line' when describing a situation where something important or valuable is at risk or in jeopardy.

Examples:

  • His job was on the line due to the company's financial troubles.
  • The championship title was on the line in the final match.
  • The future of the project is on the line if we don't meet the deadline.
  • Their reputation is on the line with this product launch.
  • The safety of the hostages was on the line during the negotiation.
  • Jack, the president is on the line.
  • You're also on the line with Karen Hayes from Homeland Security.
  • Everyone's job is on the line.
  • Don't put it on the line for me.
  • Our lives are on the line.
  • The attorney general will be on the line in five minutes.
  • The attorney general's holding on the line.
  • Mr. Hastings, Jack Bauer on the line.
  • The Soviet premier is coming back on the line, sir.
  • Somebody's on the line with her right now.
  • General Smith on the line, sir.
  • Mr. Granger? Chicago's on the line.
  • Colonel Sandauer on the line, sergeant.
  • So, dad's on the line.
  • You're wife's on the line.
  • Mitch, I got Nathan Muir on the line.
  • And stay on the line so they can trace the call.
  • Mr. President. I've got Commander Mackey on the line.
  • Commander, I have the President on the line.
  • Your wife is still on the line.

Alternatives:

  • at stake
  • in jeopardy
  • in danger
  • at risk
  • hanging in the balance

Related Comparisons

in the different day vs at the different day In the day vs On the day in the same day vs within the same day back in the day vs back in the days During the day vs In the day on the same day vs in the same day

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!