Cool MateCable vs Line vs Wire
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cable
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Line
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Wire
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
| Cable | Line | Wire | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkeɪbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkeɪbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈwaɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈwaɪər/"]/ |
| Meaning | A strong wire that carries electrical or communication signals. | A long mark or a row of things. | A thin, flexible piece of metal. |
| Example | I need to buy a new cable for my laptop charger. | Please stand in a line to buy your tickets. | The electrician used a wire to connect the lights. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | electric, telephone, overhead, length, lay, run, attach, go, run, connect something, get, have, install, television, TV, channel | long, short, thick, draw, mark, run, divide something, separate something, in a line, a line of latitude, a line of longitude, long, short, thick, draw, mark, run, divide something, separate something, in a line, a line of latitude, a line of longitude, worry, deep, faint, have, run, appear, long, short, new, form, in a/the line, on a/the line, long, short, checkout, form, in line, direct, trunk, power, hold, be busy, be engaged, be dead, down the line, on the line, on line, rail, railway, train, take, on a/the line, the end of the line, long, short, new, form, in a/the line, on a/the line, learn, practise/practice, recite, direct, trunk, power, hold, be busy, be engaged, be dead, down the line, on the line, on line, broad, firm, hard, adopt, follow, pursue, in line with, out of line with, line on, a line of argument, a line of reasoning, a line of attack, broad, firm, hard, adopt, follow, pursue, in line with, out of line with, line on, a line of argument, a line of reasoning, a line of attack, battle, defensive, firing, behind enemy lines, in the front line, on the front line | taut, loose, fine, length, piece, strand, cut, bend, twist, mesh, netting, basket, behind a/the wire, under a/the wire, electric, electrical, electricity, attach, connect, disconnect, go, lead, run, along a/the wire, down a/the wire, a tangle of wires |
| Antonyms | disconnect, detach | curve, scatter | string, cord |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'cable' with 'wire' — 'wire' is more general., Using 'cable' as a verb incorrectly in sentences., Assuming all cables are the same, not recognizing different types. | Confused with 'line' as a boundary vs 'line' as a row., Using 'line' as a verb without context., Mixing up 'line' with 'lyne' in spelling. | Confused with 'wired' which means connected electronically., Used as a verb without proper context (e.g. saying 'I wire' instead of 'I wire it'). |
| Usage notes | Use 'cable' to refer to physical connections for electricity or data. Avoid using it in very formal contexts or when talking about wireless connections. | The word 'line' can refer to physical marks, waiting lines, or categories. In formal contexts, be specific (e.g., 'line of code'). Informal use often refers to lines in conversation or jokes. | Used to refer to electrical wires or wires used in crafts. In informal settings, it can also refer to stealing (e.g. 'to wire money'). Avoid using in formal contexts when discussing abstract ideas. |
Frequently asked questions: Cable vs Line vs Wire
What's the difference between Cable, Line, and Wire?
Cable: A strong wire that carries electrical or communication signals. Line: A long mark or a row of things. Wire: A thin, flexible piece of metal.
Are Cable, Line, and Wire the same CEFR level?
Cable: B2, Line: A1, Wire: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Cable, Line, and Wire interchangeably?
Not always. Cable, Line, and Wire are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.