Line's clear vs Proceed

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Line's clear

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Proceed

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Proceed
 Line's clearProceed
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //laɪnz klɪə//🇺🇸 //laɪnz klɪr//🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid//
MeaningThe path is safe to go or move forward.To go forward or continue doing something.
ExampleThe dispatcher confirmed, 'Line's clear, you can proceed now.'Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechverb
Collocationsgive the go-ahead, clear for takeoff, clear signal, proceed with caution, safety firstproceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan
Antonyms-stop, halt, cease
Common mistakesLearners may confuse it with 'line is clear', not realizing 'line's' is a contraction., Using the phrase inappropriately in non-safety contexts., Overusing it in informal settings.Confused with 'proceeding' (the noun form)., Incorrectly using 'to' when 'with' is needed., Using it in passive voice (e.g., 'be proceeded' is incorrect).
Usage notesOften used in transportation or communication settings to indicate safety before proceeding. Avoid in casual conversations where safety isn't relevant.Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in instructions, legal documents, and project management.

See it in real clips

Line's clear
Proceed

Frequently asked questions: Line's clear vs Proceed

What's the difference between Line's clear and Proceed?

Line's clear: The path is safe to go or move forward. Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something.

Which is more common: Line's clear and Proceed?

Proceed is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Line's clear: The dispatcher confirmed, 'Line's clear, you can proceed now.' Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project.

Can I use Line's clear and Proceed interchangeably?

Not always. Line's clear and Proceed 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.

Related comparisons