front of the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "front of the line" is a common and correct expression that is widely used in spoken and written English. It refers to the beginning or starting point of a line or queue, typically used in the context of waiting in line for something. Example: "I arrived early and managed to snag a spot at the front of the line for the concert tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They've cut in front of the line.

The New York Times

Bode Miller was at the front of the line.

The New Yorker

Laura had finally made it to front of the line.

Harvard Business Review

I walk up to the front of the line.

The New York Times

"Legacy items run to the front of the line".

The New York Times

"That means: America to the front of the line!

The New Yorker

Was his hand in front of the line?

The New York Times - Sports

Shockley went to the front of the line and got a plate of food.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I pulled to the front of the line, gauged the depth and plunged in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Front-of-the-line-tickets: $31.

The New York Times

Tickets that allow front-of-the-line access cost $28.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "front of the line", ensure the context clearly indicates a queue, process, or ranking where precedence is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "front of the line" in contexts where a literal queue doesn't exist. For abstract concepts like project phases, consider using phrases like "initial stage" or "priority task" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "front of the line" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb of motion or placement. It indicates the position at the beginning of a queue or sequence. As shown in Ludwig, it describes the location where someone is situated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "front of the line" is a very common and grammatically correct expression that signifies being first or having priority in a sequence or queue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Its function is to indicate precedence, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. While most frequently found in news and media, it is also utilized in academic and business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is essential to ensure the context of precedence or priority is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first in line

Uses a more straightforward wording to convey the same idea of being at the start.

ahead in the queue

Replaces "line" with "queue", slightly changing the context but maintaining the core meaning of order.

at the head of the queue

Similar to "ahead in the queue", it uses "queue" instead of "line" and replaces "front" with "head".

top of the list

Focuses on ranking or order within a list, rather than a physical line.

in the lead

Shifts the context to a competitive scenario where one is in a leading position.

leading the pack

Uses a pack metaphor to show the idea of dominance or leadership.

taking precedence

Formal expression focusing on the act of having priority.

given priority

Similar to "taking precedence", but emphasizes the act of being granted priority.

at the forefront

Implies being in a leading position in a more abstract sense, such as in an industry or movement.

in first place

Indicates the prime position in a competition.

FAQs

How can I use "front of the line" in a sentence?

You can use "front of the line" to describe having priority or being first in a sequence. For example, "Due to her medical condition, she was moved to the front of the line at the clinic".

What does it mean to "cut in front of the line"?

To "cut in "front of the line"" means to unfairly move ahead of others who have been waiting longer, disrupting the established order.

Are there any formal alternatives to "front of the line"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "priority access" or "expedited service" instead of ""front of the line"".

Is "front of the line" always a literal expression?

No, ""front of the line"" can also be used figuratively to indicate having an advantage or priority in a non-physical queue, such as in project management or resource allocation.