first in queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first in queue" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone or something that is at the front of a line or waiting for service. Example: "She was first in queue for the concert tickets." Alternative expressions include "first in line" and "at the front of the queue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's why, when the creaky roulette wheel of miscellaneous studies spat out a crash-course in fencing, 12-year-old me was first in queue for a place.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The basic idea of the extended framework is to check whether a certain crowd worker of the first team in Queue can be assigned as the leader.

Data Science and Engineering

For those who are used to the finest things in life, a trunk from Globe-Trotter will be the envy of everyone behind you in the first class check-in queue.

Independent

I've done three and a half days before, for the iPad 2. I've been first in the queue twice before and this is my sixth time queueing.

The Guardian

In total, I queued for about two solid weeks; eight days of that was to be first in the queue for Manchester.

The Guardian

First in the queue this time was a gentleman who flew in from Ireland to spend a week in the queue.

Independent

And you were first in the queue".

The Guardian - Books

I'll be first in the queue.

The Guardian - Music

"I was the first in the queue," Mr. Karpa said.

The New York Times

Foster, an avid pilot, is first in the queue.

The Guardian

He wants to be the first in the queue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first in queue" to clearly indicate priority or order in a waiting line or sequence. It's particularly effective in contexts where fairness or established order is important.

Common error

While "queue" and "line" are often interchangeable, "queue" is more common in British English, whereas "line" is preferred in American English. Be mindful of your target audience when choosing which term to use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first in queue" functions as a modifier indicating priority or position in a waiting line or sequence. Ludwig shows various contexts where this phrase is used to denote being at the front or having precedence. The phrase generally describes who or what is leading or has preference in an ordered sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first in queue" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, particularly in British English, to indicate priority or being at the front of a waiting line. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media, but also surfaces in science and business contexts. While "queue" is preferred in British English, "line" serves as an equivalent in American English, as Ludwig AI confirms. Being mindful of your audience and context ensures effective communication when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first in line

Replaces "queue" with "line", a more common term in American English.

at the head of the queue

Emphasizes the position at the very front.

in the front of the queue

Slightly more verbose way of saying the same thing.

at the front of the line

Uses 'line' instead of 'queue' and 'front' instead of 'head'.

leading the queue

Focuses on the act of being in the front position.

top of the queue

Indicates the highest priority or position.

foremost in the queue

Uses a more formal word, "foremost", to indicate being first.

ahead of everyone in the queue

Highlights being in a superior position compared to others.

taking precedence in the queue

Emphasizes that someone is given priority.

prioritized in the queue

Highlights being given special attention in the order.

FAQs

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

You can use "first in queue" to describe someone or something that is at the front of a waiting line or has priority. For example, "She was "first in queue" to get the concert tickets".

What are some alternatives to saying "first in queue"?

You can use alternatives like "first in line", "at the head of the queue", or "top of the queue".

Is it better to say "first in queue" or "first in line"?

Both phrases are correct, but "queue" is more common in British English, while "line" is more common in American English. Choose the phrase that best suits your audience.

What does "first in queue" mean?

"First in queue" means being at the front of a waiting line, or having priority in a sequence or order.