in line for

USAGE SUMMARY

"in line for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is expected or promised. For example, "He is in line for a promotion at the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But being "in line for promotion" is not a promise.

The New York Times

You're in line for coffee.

The New York Times

In line for a coffee.

The New Yorker

Then I got in line for it.

The New York Times

"Now we wait in line for dollars".

The New York Times

you were in line for the bathroom.

The New York Times

In line for the Restaurant Chartier.

Princeton University

Let's get in line for the pizza.

The New Yorker

They are first in line for dividends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Larsen stayed in line for 11 hours.

The New York Times - Sports

Three are in line for their debuts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in line for" to clearly indicate an expected sequence or progression, such as promotions, awards, or opportunities. This phrase is effective for setting expectations and communicating potential future outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "in line for" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. This phrase suggests a reasonable expectation, not just a remote possibility. Overusing it in speculative contexts can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in line for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is likely to receive or experience something. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in line for" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate an expected sequence, progression, or anticipated outcome. It frequently appears in news, academic, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, emphasizing that it conveys a reasonable expectation. When using "in line for", ensure that the context suggests a real possibility, rather than mere speculation. Alternatives such as "slated for", "in contention for", and "primed for" can be used to vary expression depending on the specific nuance. With a high source quality score and an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is reliable for setting expectations and communicating potential future states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slated for

Indicates a scheduled or planned event, differing by focusing on pre-arrangement.

in contention for

Implies active competition for something, diverging by emphasizing the competitive aspect.

primed for

Suggests readiness or preparation, varying by highlighting a state of being ready.

next up for

Specifies an immediate sequence, contrasting by its focus on sequential order.

on track for

Denotes progress towards a goal, differing by emphasizing advancement.

eligible for

Indicates qualification or suitability, diverging by emphasizing meeting certain requirements.

under consideration for

Highlights the evaluation process, varying by focusing on being assessed.

a candidate for

Suggests potential suitability, contrasting by its use of nominalization.

in the running for

Implies being a participant in a competition, diverging by emphasizing the competitive nature.

projected to receive

Denotes an anticipated outcome, varying by focusing on prediction or forecast.

FAQs

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

You can use "in line for" to indicate that someone or something is expected to receive something or experience something in the future, such as "She is "in line for a promotion"" or "The company is "in line for government funding"".

What are some alternatives to "in line for"?

Alternatives to "in line for" include "slated for", "in contention for", or "primed for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in line for" in formal writing?

Yes, "in line for" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or news contexts, where it's used to describe anticipated outcomes or progressions. However, ensure the context suggests a reasonable expectation rather than mere speculation.

What is the difference between "in line for" and "eligible for"?

"In line for" suggests an expected progression or sequence, while "eligible for" indicates that someone or something meets the necessary requirements or qualifications. For example, someone might be "eligible for" a scholarship but not necessarily "in line for" it unless they are a top candidate.