Along the same lines
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use this phrase to bridge two related thoughts and show your logic is consistent.
En 15 secondes
- Connects two similar or related ideas smoothly.
- Shows your next point follows the same logic.
- Best for professional, academic, or organized discussions.
Signification
You use this phrase when you want to add an idea that is very similar to what was just mentioned. It is like saying, 'Since we are talking about this topic, here is another related thought.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting about marketing
Along the same lines, we should consider increasing our social media budget.
Along the same lines, we should consider increasing our social media budget.
Planning a weekend trip with a partner
Along the same lines of keeping things cheap, let's pack our own lunch.
Along the same lines of keeping things cheap, let's pack our own lunch.
Discussing a movie sequel
The second movie was great, and along the same lines, the soundtrack was amazing too.
The second movie was great, and along the same lines, the soundtrack was amazing too.
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on 'linear' communication styles, where ideas are expected to link logically to the previous point. It gained significant traction during the Industrial Revolution as technical and scientific language began to influence everyday speech. It remains a hallmark of 'educated' or 'professional' discourse in both British and American English.
The 'Those' Swap
You can swap 'the' for 'those' (`along those lines`) to sound slightly more casual and conversational.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one paragraph, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'similarly' or 'likewise'.
En 15 secondes
- Connects two similar or related ideas smoothly.
- Shows your next point follows the same logic.
- Best for professional, academic, or organized discussions.
What It Means
Think of a train track with two parallel rails. Both rails go in the exact same direction. When you use along the same lines, you are telling your listener that your next thought follows the same path as the last one. It is a way to show that your ideas are consistent and logical. It helps people follow your train of thought without getting lost.
How To Use It
You usually put this phrase at the very beginning of a new sentence. It acts as a bridge between two ideas. For example, if you are talking about saving money, you might say, Along the same lines, we should also cancel our unused subscriptions. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence with a connector like and. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.
When To Use It
This is a fantastic phrase for workplace meetings or academic presentations. It shows you are building on someone else's point. You can also use it when brainstorming with friends. If you are planning a party and someone suggests a theme, you use this to suggest a matching decoration. It is perfect for any time you want to add 'more of the same.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase if you are about to change the subject entirely. If you are talking about your cat and suddenly want to talk about the weather, this phrase will confuse people. It is also not for disagreeing. If your friend wants pizza and you want salad, do not say along the same lines. That would be a different line entirely! Avoid it in very casual, slang-heavy texts where it might feel a bit too 'wordy.'
Cultural Background
English speakers love linear logic and categorization. We like to feel that a conversation is moving forward in a straight line. This phrase likely comes from geometry or technical drawing. It became very popular in the 19th century when formal logic was highly valued in education. Today, it is a staple of professional and intellectual English.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say along those lines instead of the same lines. Both are perfectly fine. If you want to sound a bit more poetic, you can say in the same vein. If you want to be very short, you can just say similarly. However, along the same lines is the most common version you will hear in a professional office.
Notes d'usage
This is a C1-level discourse marker. It is highly effective in professional settings to show logical progression. Be careful not to use it when the connection between ideas is weak, as it may make your logic seem forced.
The 'Those' Swap
You can swap 'the' for 'those' (`along those lines`) to sound slightly more casual and conversational.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one paragraph, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'similarly' or 'likewise'.
The 'Yes, And' Rule
In Western business culture, this phrase is a polite way to say 'I agree with you, and I want to add more.' It's a great collaboration tool!
Exemples
6Along the same lines, we should consider increasing our social media budget.
Along the same lines, we should consider increasing our social media budget.
The speaker is adding a related financial suggestion to the current topic.
Along the same lines of keeping things cheap, let's pack our own lunch.
Along the same lines of keeping things cheap, let's pack our own lunch.
Used to connect the idea of saving money to a specific action.
The second movie was great, and along the same lines, the soundtrack was amazing too.
The second movie was great, and along the same lines, the soundtrack was amazing too.
Connecting two positive attributes of the same subject.
Along the same lines of my car breaking down, I just realized I lost my keys.
Along the same lines of my car breaking down, I just realized I lost my keys.
Using the phrase to link a series of unfortunate events for comedic effect.
I've been so tired lately, and along the same lines, I've found it hard to focus.
I've been so tired lately, and along the same lines, I've found it hard to focus.
Connecting a physical symptom to a mental one.
If you liked that mystery, I have another one along the same lines for you.
If you liked that mystery, I have another one along the same lines for you.
Describing a book that has a similar style or genre.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to connect these two related ideas about healthy living.
We need to start exercising more. ___, we should try to eat more vegetables.
Since exercising and eating vegetables are both part of 'healthy living,' this phrase connects them perfectly.
Complete the sentence to show you are suggesting a similar alternative.
I don't really like horror movies. Do you have anything ___ that is more of a comedy?
'Along those lines' is a common variation used when asking for something similar to a previous suggestion.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Along the same lines'
Used with friends, but might sound a bit 'smart'.
Like I said, along those lines...
Perfect for daily office talk or emails.
Along the same lines, let's check the data.
Standard for essays, speeches, and presentations.
Along the same lines, the research suggests...
Where to use 'Along the same lines'
Job Interview
Building on my previous experience...
Planning a Party
Adding a similar decoration idea.
Academic Essay
Connecting two supporting arguments.
Doctor's Visit
Describing related symptoms.
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsIt means you are introducing a new idea that is similar in nature or logic to the one you just mentioned. It's like saying similarly but in a more descriptive way.
No, it requires a previous point to refer back to. You can't use it if you haven't already established a 'line' of thought.
It's a bit long for a quick text, but it's fine for a longer message where you are explaining something. Most people would just say also in a short text.
They are almost identical. Along those lines is slightly more common in spoken English, while along the same lines is preferred in formal writing.
It is used equally in all major varieties of English, including British, American, Australian, and Canadian English.
Usually, no. It implies that your idea is going in the same direction. If you want to disagree, use on the other hand instead.
Common synonyms include similarly, likewise, in the same vein, and by the same token.
Not really. While it adds words, it serves a specific logical purpose to help the listener transition between ideas.
Yes, it is very common in academic writing to connect different pieces of evidence or similar theories.
Yes, the phrase is almost always used in the plural. Saying along the same line sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Try using it only once per conversation or page of writing. If you need to connect more ideas, use furthermore or additionally.
Expressions liées
In the same vein
Used to describe something that has the same style or quality.
By the same token
Used to introduce a fact that is true for the same reasons as the first.
Likewise
A shorter way to say 'in a similar way'.
Along those lines
A slightly more casual variation of the same expression.
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