first in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first in line" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe someone who is the first in a line of people waiting for something. For example, "The mayor was first in line for the grand opening ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Be the first in line.

The New York Times

I'll be first in line!

The New Yorker

Jerkens was first in line.

The New York Times - Sports

First in line were country "landlords".

The Economist

You are not the first in line.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kaffee was only first in line.

The New York Times

Johnson was first in line.

The Washington Post

Allocco wasn't the first in line.

The Washington Post

First in line: Blame it on Rio..

The Times

Britain should be the first in line.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their child will be third-in-line to the throne.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first in line" when you want to emphasize someone's priority or position in a sequence or queue. For example, "The company's long-term clients are always "first in line" for new services."

Common error

Avoid using "first in line" when you actually mean "one of the first". "First in line" implies a singular position, not just being among the initial few. If you intend to convey the latter, consider using phrases like "among the first" or "one of the early adopters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first in line" functions primarily as a modifier, often indicating the position or status of someone or something in a sequence or order of priority. It highlights the precedence or advantage that comes with being at the beginning of a queue or list. Ludwig confirms that this is proper and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first in line" is a common and correct phrase used to indicate precedence or priority. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is versatile enough for general use, while synonyms like "leading the queue" or "top of the list" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure you mean the actual first position, not just being among the initial few. Its frequency is high across various contexts, especially in News & Media, making it a readily understood phrase. When you mean just to be one of the first and not only the first position, consider using phrases like "among the first" or "one of the early adopters".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the front of the line

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying "first in line", emphasizing the physical position.

leading the queue

This alternative uses the word "queue" which is more common in British English and implies a waiting line.

top of the list

This phrase shifts the context from a physical line to a ranked list.

number one

This alternative is a simple way of indicating the highest rank or priority.

ahead of the pack

This suggests being in a leading position compared to competitors.

taking the lead

This suggests being the first to act or initiate something rather than waiting in a physical line.

in the vanguard

This alternative implies being at the forefront of a movement or trend.

chief among

This phrase is more formal and suggests being the most important or prominent.

foremost

Similar to "preeminent" but slightly less formal, still suggesting primary importance.

preeminent

This is a formal synonym for "first" indicating superior importance or rank.

FAQs

How can I use "first in line" in a sentence?

The phrase "first in line" indicates being the very first to receive something or to be considered for something. For instance, "Employees with the most seniority are "first in line" for promotions".

What's a synonym for "first in line"?

Alternatives to "first in line" include "leading the queue", "at the front of the line", or "top of the list" depending on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "first in line" in formal writing?

Yes, "first in line" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to express priority or order of precedence. Ludwig's AI confirms that "first in line" is correct and usable in written English.

What does it mean to be "third-in-line"?

Being "third-in-line" means you are the third person or entity in a sequence or queue. For example, "Their child will be third-in-line to the throne".