in the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a line of people, items, or events waiting to be attended to in order. For example: "There were several customers in the queue waiting to check out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cleaners: Get in the queue.

The Guardian - Books

And you were first in the queue".

The Guardian - Books

You make some friends in the queue.

The Guardian

I stood in the queue waiting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'll be first in the queue.

The Guardian - Music

There's an interesting dynamic in the queue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Get in the queue for a ticket.

The Guardian

Maybe it's the lack of Thursdays in the queue, too.

The New York Times

"I was the first in the queue," Mr. Karpa said.

The New York Times

"Every year it has been about driving in the queue.

The New York Times - Sports

It is they who go ahead in the queue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the queue" to emphasize the act of waiting in an ordered sequence, as opposed to random waiting or being delayed.

Common error

Avoid using "in the queue" when you're referring to something that is simply delayed or postponed. The phrase implies an ordered waiting list, not just a general delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the queue" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the state or location of someone or something within an ordered waiting line. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the queue" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe the state of waiting in an ordered sequence. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in varied contexts, especially in News & Media. While synonyms such as "waiting in line" or "in the pipeline" exist, the nuance of "in the queue" implies a structured waiting process, adding specificity to the communication. When employing the phrase, it's important to contextualize the queue to avoid ambiguity and ensure the reader understands the waiting scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting in line

Focuses on the physical act of waiting in a line, often for a service or product. Slightly different phrasing.

in the waiting line

Similar to "waiting in line", with a slight emphasis on the line itself.

standing in queue

Similar meaning but uses the verb "standing" to emphasize the physical position.

next in line

Focuses on the position of being next to receive attention or service.

in the waiting list

Indicates a list, often formal, where people or items are waiting.

on the schedule

Refers to being part of a planned sequence of events.

in the pipeline

Indicates that something is in progress and will be available in the future.

queued up

A more concise way of saying something is in a queue, often used for digital processes.

awaiting their turn

Emphasizes the anticipation of one's opportunity within a sequence.

in sequence

Describes items or events following a specific order.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the queue" to describe waiting for something in an ordered sequence. For example, "Several applications are "in the queue" for review".

What is a synonym for "in the queue"?

Alternatives to "in the queue" include "waiting in line", "on the schedule", or "in the pipeline", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "first in the queue"?

Yes, "first in the queue" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the person or item at the front of the line or sequence.

What's the difference between "in the queue" and "on hold"?

"In the queue" typically implies an ordered sequence or waiting list, while "on hold" suggests a temporary suspension or delay. For instance, "My call is "on hold"" versus "My application is "in the queue"".