end of the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "end of the queue" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the last position in a line or sequence of people or things waiting for something. Example: "After waiting for hours, I finally reached the end of the queue." Alternative expressions include "back of the line" and "last in line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"They put him to the end of the queue.

The Guardian - Music

All re-submitted posters go to the end of the queue.

Stanford University

The resubmitted job will be moved to the end of the queue.

Columbia University

"Americans, at the moment, are really going to be at the end of the queue..

The Guardian

Scotland's membership could not be assumed and any application would have to go to the end of the queue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Inevitably, it's the schools in challenging circumstances that are at the end of the queue for teachers".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Even for this simple prefetch queue, the authors have to perform some simplifications in their approach to handle the resulting complexity due to the interaction between the instruction execution and the instruction prefetch (the consuming and the producing ends of the queue).

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

It's well known that black men are at the end of the hiring queue.

The New York Times

While those figures were being announced, Chris Thompson, a motor racing memorabilia dealer from Epsom, was taking his place at the end of the iPad queue.

The Guardian - Tech

"Discrimination by age, long-term unemployment, the fact that they're now at the end of the hiring queue, the lack of time horizon just does not make it sensible to invest in them".

The New York Times

A breadth-first search explores outward from the current location, and any square with a non-zero cost (an avoidance value) has its cost decremented and then square is placed unexamined at the end of the search queue.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "end of the queue", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Use it to describe a literal line of people, an ordered process, or a figurative sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "end of the queue" solely in literal contexts; recognize its figurative application in processes or situations where items or people are processed in sequence, regardless of a physical line.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end of the queue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial phrase specifying position. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this, such as "at the end of the queue the cart".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "end of the queue" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the last position in a line or sequence, as affirmed by Ludwig. It frequently appears in News & Media and Academia, suggesting its broad applicability across different contexts. While "end of the queue" maintains a neutral register, understanding its communicative purpose and exploring alternatives like "back of the line" or "last in line" can help writers tailor their language to specific situations. When employing this phrase, ensure it resonates accurately with the intended context, avoiding literal interpretations when figurative use is more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back of the line

Focuses on the physical position in a line rather than the abstract concept of a queue.

last in line

Emphasizes the order of people or items in a sequence.

tail end of the line

Adds detail about the line's structure, specifying the "tail end".

rear of the queue

Uses a more formal term, "rear", to indicate the back of the queue.

final position in the queue

More descriptive and less idiomatic than the original phrase.

last place in the queue

Highlights the competitive aspect of being at the end.

bottom of the waiting list

Shifts the context to a waiting list instead of a physical queue.

at the back of the pack

Uses a metaphor related to groups or competition.

last to be served

Focuses on the consequence of being at the "end of the queue".

bringing up the rear

Uses an idiomatic expression indicating the last position.

FAQs

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

You can use "end of the queue" to describe a position in a waiting line or a sequential process. For example, "New applicants are placed at the "end of the queue" for consideration."

What can I say instead of "end of the queue"?

You can use alternatives like "back of the line", "last in line", or "rear of the queue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "end of the queue" in formal writing?

Yes, "end of the queue" is appropriate for formal writing, although phrases like "rear of the queue" might sound more formal.

What does it mean to be at the "end of the queue"?

To be at the "end of the queue" means to be in the last position in a sequence or waiting line, implying you will be served or processed last.