Hooks

[rob-lost]

==some people say in line others say on line
both mean waiting to be served like at a box office selling tickets ==

Not according to Merriam-Webster.

in-line:
having the parts or units arranged in a straight line; also : being so arranged
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-line

online:
connected to, served by, or available through a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system (such as the Internet)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/online

There's the phrase "fall in line," but that's a bit different as well:
to start to do what one is told or required to do
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inline

So the words are not really related in usage.

[mike m.]

[quote="rob-lost"]==some people say in line others say on line
both mean waiting to be served like at a box office selling tickets ==

Not according to Merriam-Webster.

in-line:
having the parts or units arranged in a straight line; also : being so arranged
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-line

online:
connected to, served by, or available through a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system (such as the Internet)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/online

There's the phrase "fall in line," but that's a bit different as well:
to start to do what one is told or required to do
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inline

So the words are not really related in usage.[/quote]

====

as i noted
they were regional usages
no matter what webster says
UK english, American English, australian english, and international standard english are not identical
nor is webster the authority of dictating usage -- all they can do is report long after the fact

and usage changes over time

[rob-lost]

Sure, "mike." And we must listen to you over and above any posted references.

==UK english, American English, australian english, and international standard english are not identical ==
OK, let's go with that. What does each mean in the UK, Australia, and wherever "International Standard" applies?

[mike m.]

[quote="rob-lost"]Sure, "mike." And we must listen to you over and above any posted references.

==UK english, American English, australian english, and international standard english are not identical ==
OK, let's go with that. What does each mean in the UK, Australia, and wherever "International Standard" applies?[/quote]
=======

it depends whether you want to communicate or merely be pedantic

[rob-lost]

@mike M:
==OK, let's go with that. What does each mean in the UK, Australia, and wherever "International Standard" applies?==

[Dreaming Imrryr]

wdarcy wrote:
> Maya, it has nothing to do with poor grammar. It has everything to do with
> what agents want and expect. And what they expect is that query letters
> and synopses will be written in present tense throughout.
>
> Now personally I loathe present tense. I refuse to read a novel written in
> present tense. I find it pretentious, distancing, and distracting. But
> that's just me. And when it comes to querying agents, it's best to give
> them what they want and expect. Remember: agents are so overworked that
> they are looking for an excuse to delete your query. Don't give it to
> them!
>
> --Warren

Nice to know.