check line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical
Quick answer
What does “check line” mean?
A line of text or physical mark used to verify or confirm something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line of text or physical mark used to verify or confirm something; a reference for comparison.
In programming, a line of code that validates data or state; in aviation, a line or mark on a runway for reference; in mechanics, a reference line for alignment; in textiles, a guide line in pattern-making.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling of 'check' as 'cheque' does NOT apply in this compound technical term.
Connotations
Slightly more likely in British engineering/manufacturing contexts; slightly more common in US software development contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but understood in technical circles.
Grammar
How to Use “check line” in a Sentence
N + of + N (e.g., check line of code)Adj + N (e.g., visual check line)V + Det + N (e.g., add a check line)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “check line” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The check-line procedure is standard.
- We need a check-line reference.
American English
- The check-line function failed.
- Add a check-line comment in the code.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in quality control documentation ('Use this as a check line for inventory accuracy').
Academic
In computer science papers discussing code validation.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used.
Technical
Primary domain. E.g., software development (a debug check line), aviation (runway check line), engineering (alignment check line).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “check line”
- Using 'checklist' instead (a list of items vs. a single reference line).
- Omitting the space: 'checkline' is non-standard.
- Using it as a verb phrase: 'I will check line number five' is ambiguous (checking a line vs. a 'check line').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as two separate words: 'check line'.
No, it is exclusively a noun phrase. The verb form would be 'to check a line' or 'to check the line'.
A 'baseline' is an original or standard for comparison. A 'check line' is a specific mark or line used to perform a verification against such a standard or expectation.
No, it is a technical term specific to fields like computing, aviation, and engineering.
A line of text or physical mark used to verify or confirm something.
Check line is usually technical in register.
Check line: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek ˌlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek ˌlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TICK (✓) mark on a LINE—it's a line you CHECK.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCURACY IS ALIGNMENT (A check line ensures things are 'in line' and correct).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'check line' LEAST likely to be used?