line space: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “line space” mean?
The vertical distance between lines of text in a document or on a page.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The vertical distance between lines of text in a document or on a page.
The physical or digital gap separating written or typed lines; can also refer to a dedicated area for marking or drawing lines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The term is equally technical in both varieties. 'Single line space' and 'double line space' are standard in formatting instructions. 'Line space' might be slightly more common in UK technical writing, whereas US often prefers the compound 'linespace' or the phrase 'line spacing'.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. No strong cultural connotations.
Frequency
Higher frequency in academic, publishing, design, and word-processing contexts. Rare in casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “line space” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the line space (e.g., adjust, set, increase)[Adjective] + line space (e.g., single, double, standard)line space + [Preposition] + [Noun] (e.g., line space of 1.5, line space between paragraphs)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal report formatting guidelines: 'Please submit the document with 1.5 line space.'
Academic
Crucial in thesis/dissertation formatting rules: 'The body text must use double line space.'
Everyday
Rare. Might occur when giving instructions for a school essay or formatting a letter.
Technical
Precise term in typography, desktop publishing, and CSS styling (e.g., 'line-height' property defines line space).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line space”
- Using 'line space' as a verb (e.g., 'Line space the document'). Correct: 'Adjust the line space in the document.'
- Confusing 'line space' (the gap) with 'line spacing' (the setting). In practice, they are often used interchangeably, but purists note a distinction.
- Misspelling as one word 'linespace' (less common but accepted in some technical fields).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday and most technical use, they are interchangeable. Strictly, 'line space' refers to the resulting gap, while 'line spacing' refers to the action or setting that creates that gap.
Double line space (or 2.0 line spacing) is the most common requirement for the main text of academic papers like dissertations and manuscripts submitted for review.
No, it is not standard. Use verbs like 'adjust', 'set', 'change', or 'increase' with 'line space' (e.g., 'Please set the document to double line space').
In traditional typography, the term is 'leading' (pronounced 'ledding'), originating from the strips of lead metal used to create space between lines of metal type.
The vertical distance between lines of text in a document or on a page.
Line space is usually formal, technical in register.
Line space: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌspeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌspeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Related: 'single-spaced', 'double-spaced'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a notebook with lines: the 'line' is where you write, the 'space' is the blank gap to the next line. Together, they are the 'line space'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A STRUCTURE; line space is the vertical scaffolding or breathing room between floors (lines) of that structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'line space' LEAST likely to be used?