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

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

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

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 notes

In 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

inline on line online →

Common pairings

in line with expectations wait in line keep someone in line next in line

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pay rise is _____ with inflation.

Synonyms

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consistent with in keeping with in accordance with in a queue queuing

Antonyms

out of line with at odds with

Related Words

against pursuant queuing

Rhymes for in line

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine thine shine

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.

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against pursuant queuing