in a queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a queue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a line of people or things waiting for something. For example, "We spent an hour in a queue waiting for our turn to buy tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yes, you're standing in a queue.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You stand in a queue," Mary said.

The Guardian - Books

Waiting in a queue to go to the office.

The New Yorker

"Even at Harvard, you're normally waiting in a queue".

The New Yorker

"I auditioned yesterday in a queue of five others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No waiting in a queue of people, it was great.

The Guardian - Business

As a result, the number of unmarried men piles up, as in a queue.

The Economist

I was placed in a queue for over 70 minutes before speaking to a representative.

Independent

"In England, we love to stand in a queue," he said.

The New Yorker

The notice was put in a queue to be dealt with.

Independent

A few weeks later, Ally stood behind her in a queue at the supermarket.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical wait, specify the reason for being "in a queue" to provide context and enhance clarity. For example, "in a queue for concert tickets".

Common error

Avoid vague statements about queue size. Instead of saying "We were in a queue", specify the approximate wait time or number of people ahead to give a more accurate picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a queue" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or state. Ludwig examples confirm that the phrase is frequently used to describe the act of waiting in an ordered line.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a queue" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the act of waiting in an ordered line. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and broad applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While interchangeable with "in a line", "in a queue" carries a slightly more formal tone and is frequently used in British English. The key is to provide context when using the phrase to clearly communicate the reason for the waiting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting in line

Emphasizes the action of waiting, similar to "in a queue".

standing in line

Highlights the physical act of standing while waiting.

in a waiting line

Rephrases "queue" as a "waiting line", keeping the meaning intact.

part of a lineup

Focuses on being a member of a structured arrangement.

in single file

Specifies the arrangement as a single line, synonymous with an ordered wait.

in succession

Highlights the sequential aspect of the arrangement.

in order

Implies being part of a structured arrangement or sequence.

awaiting one's turn

Emphasizes the anticipation of a turn in the sequence.

on standby

Suggests readiness while awaiting a cue or turn.

in a chain

Describes a linked sequence of people or items.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a queue" to describe waiting in line for something, like "I was "in a queue" to buy groceries" or "The server placed the print jobs "in a queue"".

What is a synonym for "in a queue"?

A synonym for "in a queue" is "in a line". Both phrases mean waiting in an ordered sequence.

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

The choice between "in a queue" and "in line" often depends on regional dialect. "In a queue" is more common in British English, while "in a line" is prevalent in American English. Both are grammatically correct.

What does it mean to be "in a queue"?

Being "in a queue" means you are waiting your turn, usually standing behind others who are also waiting for the same service or item. It implies an ordered system where people are served in the order they arrived.