jump line
LowProfessional, Technical (Journalism, Publishing)
Definition
Meaning
A line of text in a newspaper or magazine that directs the reader to another page where an article continues (e.g., 'continued on page 5').
A navigational or directional cue in any form of paginated content (digital or print) indicating where a continued piece of text can be found.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound noun, primarily used in the context of print layout and editorial design. It is a highly specific professional term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but the phrasing of a typical jump line may differ slightly. US publications might use '(Continued on Page A5)' while UK publications sometimes use 'continued from page...' or 'turn to page...' for the 'jump-from line'.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. No significant connotative difference between varieties.
Frequency
Equally low and specialized in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [article] + [verb] + with a jump line + [directing phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term, not an idiom.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the publishing and newspaper business when discussing layout and reader navigation.
Academic
Rare; might appear in media studies or journalism textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in editorial and publishing workflows for print and digital media.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I couldn't find the end of the story. My dad showed me the jump line.
- If an article is too long, the editor will add a jump line to another page.
- The subeditor's job included writing concise and accurate jump lines for continued features.
- In contemporary digital layouts, the traditional jump line is often replaced by an automated 'read more' hyperlink.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a story that has to JUMP from one page to the next; the LINE of text that tells you where to jump is the JUMP LINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIGNPOST or DIRECTIONS for text.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a word-for-word translation like 'прыгать линия'. The equivalent concept is often expressed as 'смотри продолжение на странице...' or the noun 'сноска о продолжении'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling it as one word: 'jumpline'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The story jump lines to page 9'). Confusing it with a 'jump' in video editing or athletics.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'jump line' MOST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words: 'jump line'.
No, it is a noun. You cannot 'jump line' a story. You 'add a jump line to' a story.
The concept exists digitally (e.g., 'Continue reading' links), but the specific term 'jump line' is primarily associated with print journalism.
There isn't a direct opposite, but an article that is not continued and fits entirely on one page has no need for a jump line.