back of the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"back of the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means to move to the back of a line of people who are waiting for something, and can be used to express a request for someone to go to the back of the line or a comment about one's position relative to others in the line. Example sentence: "Please move to the back of the line if you're not at the front."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get to the back of the line.

The New York Times

At the back of the line, Chris Sherwood was nervous.

The Guardian

But I won't go to the back of the line.

The Washington Post

If you're not, get at the back of the line".

The New York Times - Magazine

These kids were left at the back of the line.

The New York Times

"Regulars" suspect they have been banished or sent to the back of the line.

The New York Times

At the back of the line, Salwa Badri grimaces as she watches the jostling.

The New York Times

Paige led, while Todd stood sentry at the back of the line.

The New Yorker

People toward the back of the line, mistakenly believing that the concert was beginning, pushed forward.

The New Yorker

Towne stood patiently, having wafted in at the back of the line.

The New Yorker

At the back of the line were James Brashear and his 11-year-old son, Tyler.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back of the line" when referring to a literal queue or sequence, but also consider its metaphorical applications to indicate lower priority or disadvantage.

Common error

Avoid using "back of the line" in situations where a more nuanced term is needed to describe someone's position. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of the line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adverbially to indicate a position or location. Ludwig AI identifies its common usage in describing physical queues or metaphorical standings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back of the line" is a common and versatile expression used to denote a position of low priority or being last in a sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its frequent appearance in informal settings suggests caution when using it in highly formal documents. When you need alternative phrases, consider options like "rear of the queue" or "end of the line" for specific nuances. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase to maintain writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last in line

Directly states being the final person in an ordered sequence.

rear of the queue

Replaces "line" with the synonym "queue", commonly used in British English.

end of the line

Emphasizes the terminal position in a sequence or process.

tail end

Shortened expression referring to the last part of something, suggesting being last in a sequence.

bringing up the rear

Idiomatic expression for being at the very back, often used in a procession or march.

at the bottom of the list

Indicates a low priority or ranking within a set of items or people.

in last place

Implies being the least successful or favored compared to others.

at the periphery

Suggests being on the outer edge or less important part of a group or situation.

in an unfavorable position

A more general term to describe a disadvantageous placement.

out of contention

Suggests that someone or something is no longer a viable candidate or competitor.

FAQs

How can I use "back of the line" in a sentence?

You can use "back of the line" to describe a physical position in a queue, as in, "She had to go to the back of the line because she arrived late". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a position of lower priority or disadvantage, as in, "New applicants are placed at the back of the line for consideration".

What does it mean to tell someone to go to the "back of the line"?

Telling someone to go to the "back of the line" usually implies that they must wait their turn or that they are not entitled to preferential treatment. It's a way of enforcing order or hierarchy.

Which is more appropriate, "end of the line" or "back of the line"?

"Back of the line" and "end of the line" are often interchangeable, but "back of the line" is more common when referring to people waiting in a physical queue. "End of the line" can also refer to the termination of a process or project.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "back of the line"?

Yes, being at the "back of the line" can imply a lack of importance, lower priority, or disadvantage. It suggests that others are ahead in terms of consideration or opportunity.