a lengthy queue existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy queue existed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a long line of people or items was present at a specific time or place. Example: "At the entrance of the concert, a lengthy queue existed, stretching all the way down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opening hours of the CAB were limited, and there was a lengthy queue at reception.

The Guardian

To my surprise I found a lengthy queue of people seeking my help – and, best of all, a dramatic response when I managed to prescribe effectively.

The Guardian - Books

Girls creator Lena Dunham proved the biggest draw, with a lengthy queue rivalled only by the one for Edward Snowden, whose talk was programmed at the same time.

The Guardian - Film

However, in the morning peak period at my local station, there is frequently a lengthy queue at the ticket office, a broken ticket machine, and a switched-off Permit to Travel machine.

Independent

If "The Buy Side" is remembered for any single line, it will be the remark that Mr. Duff says he uttered one evening upon confronting a lengthy queue outside a downtown Manhattan nightclub.

The New York Times

When Chef Albert Adrià of El Bulli and Tickets fame launched Cakes and Bubbles at Hotel Café Royal this week in London, a lengthy queue of hundreds formed outside.

Forbes

Consider this: You push your unpacked laptop down the baggage security conveyor belt and soon you're stuck behind a lengthy queue of barefoot travelers awaiting the body scanner.

Huffington Post

Thus, even a residual car queue exists.

Journal of Modern Transportation

"We need to be investing in our young people, not directing them towards a lengthy dole queue".

BBC

The only way for its 3,600 residents and thousands of tourists to get hold of their money was to join the lengthy queue at the post office or via a single ATM which regularly ran out of bank notes.

The Guardian - Money

Lengthy queue outside H&M Oxford St for Alexander Wang collaboration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "a lengthy queue existed" is grammatically correct, consider using more common and accessible phrasing like "there was a long queue" for broader clarity.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or archaic language in contexts where simplicity and clarity are preferred. Instead of "a lengthy queue existed", opt for more straightforward alternatives unless the context specifically calls for elevated language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a lengthy queue existed" is to describe a state of being, indicating the presence of a long line. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, even if examples are limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lengthy queue existed" is grammatically correct but rarely used. It describes the presence of a long line, often implying a waiting situation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, more common alternatives like "there was a long line" are often preferred for clarity and accessibility. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, but overly formal phrasing should be avoided in everyday conversation. Due to the lack of direct examples, usage patterns and authoritative sources remain undefined. Overall, while valid, consider alternative phrasing for broader communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long line was present

Replaces "lengthy queue" with "long line" and "existed" with "was present" offering a simpler construction.

a considerable queue was there

Substitutes "lengthy" with "considerable" and "existed" with "was there", changing the emphasis slightly.

a substantial queue stood

Uses "substantial" instead of "lengthy" and "stood" instead of "existed", providing a more vivid image.

a protracted queue was in place

Replaces "lengthy" with "protracted" and "existed" with "was in place", indicating a drawn-out wait.

a long queue formed

Focuses on the formation of the queue rather than its mere existence, using "formed" instead of "existed".

there was a long line of people

Expands the description to explicitly mention "people", clarifying the nature of the queue.

a significant waiting line was present

Combines "significant" and "waiting line" to emphasize the importance and purpose of the queue.

an extensive line of individuals waited

Uses more formal language such as "extensive" and "individuals" to convey a similar meaning.

many people were queued up

Shifts the focus to the people in the queue, using the phrasal verb "queued up".

a large number of people were waiting in line

Provides a detailed description of the situation, highlighting the quantity of people waiting.

FAQs

What does "a lengthy queue existed" mean?

The phrase "a lengthy queue existed" means that there was a long line of people waiting in a particular place. The phrase can be replaced with alternatives like "a long line was present".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a lengthy queue existed"?

The phrase "a lengthy queue existed" is appropriate for formal contexts. For informal situations, consider using phrases like "there was a long line".

What are some alternatives to "a lengthy queue existed"?

Some alternatives to "a lengthy queue existed" include "a considerable queue was there", "a substantial queue stood", or "there was a long line of people".

Is "a lengthy queue existed" the same as "there was a long line"?

Yes, "a lengthy queue existed" and "there was a long line" have similar meanings, both indicating that many people were waiting. The first one is formal and the second one is not.