at the head of the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the head of the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's position at the front of a line or waiting list. Example: "If you arrive early, you will be at the head of the queue for the concert tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

A guard keeps an eye on both him and the shaven-headed man at the head of the queue.

The Economist

Those four are at the head of the queue".

The Guardian - Sport

"Go! Go!" people from behind urge the person at the head of the queue.

The Guardian

But I won't be at the head of the queue to try it.

The Guardian - Tech

When it went live, Dyball was at the head of the queue.

The Guardian - Music

If an applicant meets the school's standards, a debenture places him at the head of the queue.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The point r i at which head and tail waves meet, measured from the head of the queue, is obtained by geometry, remembering that upstream distance and speed values are negative.

European Transport Research Review

The transmit queue examines the forbidden list whenever a packet reaches the head of the queue.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This is the time a packet spends waiting in a queue before it reaches the head of the queue.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The delay caused due the service of a packet in the head of the queue is 1 slot with the probability of s 1 (this is in the case that the BS channel is good at the time that the packet gets to the head of queue).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Sometimes they get sidelined when new books pop up that push their way to the head of the queue.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the head of the queue" when emphasizing a prioritized order or formal waiting list situation, especially in British English contexts.

Common error

Do not use "at the head of the queue" in contexts where a physical head is literally present; this phrase refers to position in a line or list, not a body part.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the head of the queue" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a position of leadership or priority. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, demonstrating its role in specifying location or order within a sequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the head of the queue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes being first in line or having priority. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage across a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "at the front of the line", it effectively conveys a sense of precedence and is especially prevalent in British English. Remember to use it in contexts referring to position in a list or line, not in literal head-related situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the front of the line

Uses "front" instead of "head" and "line" instead of "queue", providing a more common and less formal phrasing.

first in line

A simpler and more direct way to express being at the beginning of a queue or line.

leading the queue

Uses the verb "leading" to emphasize the action of being at the front.

at the top of the list

Shifts the context from a physical queue to a ranked list.

in the forefront

Implies being at the front in a more figurative or abstract sense.

in the lead

Suggests being ahead or in a prominent position.

at the vanguard

A more formal term indicating being at the forefront of an idea or movement.

in the pole position

An idiomatic expression, borrowed from racing, meaning in the most advantageous starting position.

in the driver's seat

An idiomatic expression meaning in control or the leading position.

taking precedence

Highlights the act of having priority or coming before others.

FAQs

How can I use "at the head of the queue" in a sentence?

You can use "at the head of the queue" to describe being first in line or having priority. For example: "Those who registered early are "at the head of the queue" for the vaccine."

What are some alternatives to saying "at the head of the queue"?

Some alternatives include "at the front of the line", "first in line", or "leading the queue", depending on the specific context.

Is "at the head of the queue" more formal than "at the front of the line"?

Yes, "at the head of the queue" can be perceived as slightly more formal, especially in British English. "At the front of the line" is generally more common and less formal.

Which is correct, "at the head of the queue" or "in the head of the queue"?

"At the head of the queue" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "In the head of the queue" is not a standard expression and would be grammatically incorrect.