in the first queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in the first queue' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to indicate that something or someone is the first in line or sequence. For example, "The first customers to arrive were placed in the first queue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

None of those in the first queue survived.

The Guardian

He added, "I expected — just based on training, based on the power I saw in training, based on how I felt after five hours of training — to be in the first queue on the climbs, which, I guess, I can say I was able to do".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Figure 7 shows how the waiting times (in generic units) of the first queue increases by increasing the occupation ratio ρ for one, two, ten and a hundred servers.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Those in the second queue are likely to receive the phone just a few hours after those at the front.

Independent

For example, suppose we have two priority queues, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd most optimal nodes are in the first priority queue while the 4th one is in the second queue.

Bioinformatics

Additionally, in order to represent the coupling effect that occurs when patients are blocked from entering the IU, we estimate the probability of all servers being busy in the second queue and the probability of patients in the ED waiting for transfer to the IU being blocked.

Health Care Management Science

Specifically, we model a router with two interfaces as two finite queueing systems in tandem with the first queueing system being a two-stage service and the second queueing system being a single-stage service.

Computer Communications

In the first level queuing, each node maintains a state information packet (SIP .The nodes update the state information every once in a while.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

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

It was a best-seller; 105,000 copies were sold, 4,000 in the first hour, with people queuing outside Her Majesty's Stationery Office to buy copies.

Wikipedia

In the second, much shorter, queue, every woman said she was registering because her husband had told her to.Whether Afghans know it or not, elections they will have, and earlier than planned.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or systems with multiple queues, use "in the first queue" to clearly indicate the initial stage or priority level.

Common error

Avoid confusing "queue", which refers to a line or sequence, with "cue", which is a signal or prompt. Ensure you're using the correct term based on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first queue" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates the location or position within an ordered sequence or line. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the first queue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a prepositional phrase. It serves to specify priority or the initial stage in a process or system. While applicable across different registers, it commonly appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. For alternative expressions, consider using "at the front of the line" or "first in line". When using this expression, make sure you are referring to a sequential order and not a 'cue'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the front of the line

This alternative directly replaces "first queue" with a more common expression for physical queuing.

leading the queue

This alternative is a more active way to describe being at the front of the queue.

first in line

A common synonym emphasizing order and sequence.

at the head of the queue

Similar to 'at the front', but implies a structured order.

in the primary queue

Replaces 'first' with 'primary', emphasizing importance.

at the forefront

This implies being in a leading position, though not necessarily in a physical line.

in the initial sequence

A more formal alternative, suitable for academic contexts.

in the top tier

This implies the highest level of priority or importance.

prioritized first

This is a passive construction indicating that something is given first priority.

in the advanced group

This could suggest a queue of advanced or superior candidates or items.

FAQs

How to use "in the first queue" in a sentence?

You can use "in the first queue" to describe the initial stage of a process or to indicate the highest priority. For example, "Applicants with complete documentation were placed in the first queue".

What can I say instead of "in the first queue"?

You can use alternatives like "at the front of the line", "first in line", or "at the head of the queue" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in the first queue" or "in the front queue"?

"In the first queue" is more commonly used and grammatically sound. "In the front queue" is less conventional and might sound awkward.

What's the difference between "in the first queue" and "in the second queue"?

"In the first queue" refers to the initial or primary line or sequence, whereas "in the second queue" indicates a subsequent or secondary line, often with different priorities or processing.