formed a queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formed a queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where people are lining up or waiting in an organized manner. Example: "As the concert doors opened, fans quickly formed a queue outside the venue, eager to get the best spots."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

How his students formed a queue outside his office and solemnly entered one by one to offer condolences upon learning that their beloved mentor was a Jew.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We formed a queue to claim our money and I was asked by a colleague on the committee what I was claiming for.

The Guardian - Sport

Historians of modern British politics would have formed a queue around the block from his home in London's Christchurch Hill for access to those files.

The Guardian - Books

Ships loaded with cement formed a queue stretching for miles outside Lagos harbour, creating a spectacle that commercial pilots would take a detour to gawp at, and racking up months of demurrage fees.

The Economist

Sometimes a trader with a barrel on wheels arrived to sell milk or kvas (a drink made from fermented bread) and tiny people in tiny jackets, like beads on a string, formed a queue.

The Guardian

"Girls, we try the finale now," Ms. Marabini-Baiocchi said, and Flavia, Michaela, Janeta, Shannon, Valentina, Marcelina, Kim and a dozen others obediently formed a queue, looking only the slightest bit like suburban 1950s housewives, thanks to the shower caps they'd been given to protect their roller-set hair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She's keen, form a queue.

Independent

The passengers, with their baggage and take-along animals, couldn't even form a queue.

The New York Times

If I proposed a book of Ringo's collected laundry lists, publishers would form a queue.

The Guardian - Books

Our leader holds meetings in which people come and form a queue to ask questions directly.

The New York Times

Gentlemen, form a queue Givenchy's Hydra Sparkling tinted moisturiser Apparently it has bubbles in it, just like San Pellegrino, to keep your skin all fresh-looking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of people waiting, use "formed a queue" to emphasize the organized nature of their wait, suggesting a level of order and patience. For less formal situations consider "lined up".

Common error

Avoid using "formed a queue" in highly informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lined up" or "got in line".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formed a queue" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It typically describes the action of a group of people organizing themselves into a line, often for waiting or service. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formed a queue" is a grammatically sound and fairly common way to describe people lining up in an orderly manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register and implies a level of organization. Alternatives like "lined up" or "queued up" may be more appropriate for informal settings. Remember that while "formed a queue" is correct, context is key to choosing the most effective phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lined up

Implies a straight line formation, more focused on the physical arrangement.

queued up

Commonly used in British English, emphasizing the act of joining a queue.

created a line

Highlights the action of making a line, whether orderly or not.

stood in line

Focuses on the physical act of standing while waiting in a queue.

waited in line

Emphasizes the act of waiting, rather than the formation itself.

joined the queue

Highlights the action of becoming part of an existing queue.

established a queue

Suggests a more formal or organized setup of the queue.

arranged themselves in a line

More descriptive, focusing on the self-organization aspect.

organized into a queue

Highlights the organization process leading to the queue.

fell into line

Suggests a spontaneous or compliant formation of a queue.

FAQs

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

You can use "formed a queue" to describe people lining up in an orderly manner. For example: "The eager fans "formed a queue" outside the stadium well before the gates opened."

What can I say instead of "formed a queue"?

Alternatives include "lined up", "queued up", or "created a line", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "formed a queue" or "formed in a queue"?

"Formed a queue" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Formed in a queue" is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "formed a queue" and "lined up"?

"Formed a queue" often implies a more organized or deliberate action, while "lined up" can be a more general or spontaneous arrangement. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.