What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sideline
Example
The ball went out of bounds and landed on the sideline. [sideline: noun]
Example
I'm happy to help with the project, but I'll take a sideline role. [sideline: adjective]
Example
After the incident, he was sidelined from the team for a few games. [sidelined: verb]
touchline
Example
The player kicked the ball out of bounds, and it landed near the touchline. [touchline: noun]
Example
I want to be more involved in the project and have a touchline role. [touchline: adjective]
Example
She had a brief touchline with the celebrity at the event. [touchline: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sideline is more commonly used than touchline in everyday language, especially in American English. However, touchline is more common in British English and is widely used in soccer and rugby contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sideline and touchline?
Both sideline and touchline are relatively informal words, commonly used in sports contexts. However, sideline can also be used metaphorically in business or social contexts, making it slightly more versatile and formal than touchline.
