# inline

/ˌɪnˈɫaɪn/ (US) · /ˈɪnlaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inline
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

arranged in a straight line or following the same rules as something else. You use this when things match up or work together correctly.

For teachers: arranged in a straight line or aligned with a specific standard or set of expectations. Often used predicatively after a linking verb to indicate agreement or consistency.

## Examples

- The wheels on the car are perfectly inline.
- The new company policy is now inline with the latest government safety regulations.
- The architect ensured that the modern extension remained inline with the historical character of the original building, maintaining a seamless visual transition between the two structures.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The results are inline to our goals." but "The results are inline with our goals." — When expressing alignment or agreement, the adjective 'inline' requires the preposition 'with' rather than 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'with' to show agreement or alignment.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.