Cool MateCable vs Line vs Link
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
Link
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Cable | Line | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkeɪbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkeɪbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A strong wire that carries electrical or communication signals. | A long mark or a row of things. | A connection between things. |
| Example | I need to buy a new cable for my laptop charger. | Please stand in a line to buy your tickets. | Please click on the link to visit the website. |
| 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 | A2 |
| 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 | close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, audio, video, radio, have, establish, lose, via a/the link, link to, link via, embedded, hypertext, Internet, have, add, build, lead to something, point to something, work, link to |
| Antonyms | disconnect, detach | curve, scatter | disconnect, detach, divide |
| 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 'link' as a noun and verb, forgetting to use the right form., Using 'link' when a stronger word like 'connect' is needed in formal writing., Overusing 'link' instead of 'connection' in context. |
| 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. | Use 'link' in both formal and informal situations. In academic writing, it often refers to ideas or arguments connected logically. Avoid it in contexts requiring very precise language. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cable vs Line vs Link
What's the difference between Cable, Line, and Link?
Cable: A strong wire that carries electrical or communication signals. Line: A long mark or a row of things. Link: A connection between things.
Which is more advanced: Cable, Line, and Link?
Cable is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cable, Line, and Link the same CEFR level?
Cable: B2, Line: A1, Link: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cable, Line, and Link?
Cable: noun, Line: noun, Link: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Cable: I need to buy a new cable for my laptop charger. Line: Please stand in a line to buy your tickets. Link: Please click on the link to visit the website.
Can I use Cable, Line, and Link interchangeably?
Not always. Cable, Line, and Link 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.