phrase
in line
in LYNE
In line (phrase) means In line with: matching or consistent with something such as a rule, expectation or forecast. Example: “The pay rise is in line with inflation.”
phrase
1
In line with: matching or consistent with something such as a rule, expectation or forecast.
"The pay rise is in line with inflation."
"Results were broadly in line with what analysts expected."
adverb
1
chiefly North American Standing in a queue, one behind another.
"We waited in line for nearly an hour."
"Third in line at the coffee stand."
adjective
1
Behaving acceptably or as required; especially in the phrases keep someone in line and step out of line.
"The new supervisor keeps the whole shift in line."
"One more comment out of line and you're off the project."
How to use in line
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMatching what was expected, or waiting your turn.
When to use it
In line with is neutral and common in business and news writing.
Memory tip
British speakers say queue for the waiting sense but still use in line with for the consistency sense.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
in line with expectations
wait in line
keep someone in line
next in line
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The pay rise is _____ with inflation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
out of line with
at odds with
Related words
Rhymes for in line
See all rhymes for in line →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between in line and on line for queuing?
Both mean waiting in a queue in American English, but in line is standard across the United States while on line is a regional New York usage. British English uses in a queue instead.
What does in line with mean?
It means consistent with or matching. Saying a decision is in line with policy means it follows the policy; saying figures are in line with forecasts means they came out as predicted.
What is the difference between in line and inline?
Inline written as one word is a technical adjective meaning contained within the flow of something, as in inline styles, an inline comment or an inline engine. The two-word form is the everyday phrase about queues, consistency and behaviour.
What is the meaning of in line?
"in line" (phrase) means in line with: matching or consistent with something such as a rule, expectation or forecast.
