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 • 2947 views

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

"in the line"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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

"on the line"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

in the line vs on the line

"in the line"

"on the line"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text