cutting in line

USAGE SUMMARY

"cutting in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when someone does not wait in their turn in a queue, but instead moves forward to the front. For example, "The boy was scolded for cutting in line at the store checkout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Ahead of you, people are cutting in line.

The New Yorker

You see people cutting in line ahead of you!

The Guardian

It wasn't about their cutting in line or depriving other people of their daily quota.

The New York Times - Magazine

CRAIG MONTANO Offbeat Interests Craig Montano met his wife by cutting in line.

The New York Times

If people are cutting in line ahead of you, someone must be helping them.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is because they are great queuers, roused to special fury by anyone cutting in line.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Some big shots are used to cutting in lines.

The New York Times

It's hard to get noticed when someone's cutting in-line and stealing your shots.

Huffington Post

Do you know someone who's learning to sew, or scrapbook, or do anything that requires cutting in a straight line?

WikiHow

The tapper thus is in the position of a gossip silently cutting in on a rural party line.

The New Yorker

Another sign warns against cutting in the sangak line.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scenarios where fairness and order are disrupted, use "cutting in line" to vividly portray the act of someone unfairly advancing ahead of others who are waiting their turn.

Common error

Avoid using "cutting in line" when describing legitimate priority access. This phrase carries a negative connotation of unfairness, so using it in situations where priority is justified (e.g., medical emergencies, VIP access) would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cutting in line" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically a gerund phrase acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. This usage is evident in examples where it acts as the subject of a sentence or the object of a preposition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cutting in line" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of unfairly moving ahead of others in a queue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase carries a neutral register despite the negative connotation of the action it describes. When using "cutting in line", be mindful of its implication of unfairness, and consider alternatives like "queue jumping" or "skipping the line" for subtle differences in meaning. Understanding these nuances will help ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

queue jumping

Focuses specifically on the act of jumping ahead in a queue.

jumping the queue

British English equivalent of "skipping the line".

skipping the line

Emphasizes the act of bypassing the expected waiting order.

line jumping

Similar to "queue jumping" but applicable to any type of line not just queues.

butting in

A more general term for interrupting a sequence or conversation, applicable to lines.

jumping ahead

Highlights the action of moving forward unfairly in a sequence.

gatecrashing

Implies entering without permission or invitation, metaphorically used for lines.

intruding in the queue

More formal and emphasizes the act of interrupting the established order.

encroaching on the line

Suggests gradually moving into a position ahead of others.

getting ahead of others

A broader expression suggesting unfair advantage in any sequential process.

FAQs

How to use "cutting in line" in a sentence?

"Cutting in line" describes the action of unfairly moving ahead of others in a queue. For example, "The child was reprimanded for "cutting in line" at the ice cream parlor."

What can I say instead of "cutting in line"?

You can use alternatives like "queue jumping", "skipping the line", or "butting in" depending on the specific context.

Is "cutting in line" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cutting in line" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase. It functions as a noun and can be used as a subject or object in a sentence.

What's the difference between "cutting in line" and "skipping the line"?

While similar, "cutting in line" is a more common and general term. "Skipping the line" specifically implies avoiding the line altogether, while "cutting in line" suggests moving ahead of others already waiting.