join the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

"join the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to indicate that someone should become part of a line of people who are waiting for something. For example, "If you need to buy tickets, join the queue over there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Join the queue," she said.

The Guardian

You had better join the queue.

The Times

Then they join the queue for questioning.

The Guardian - Money

He may need to join the queue.

The Guardian - Music

"Let her join the queue," Kwairanga instructed his harried volunteers.

The Guardian

Join the queue for 40 seconds of joy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Join the queue for H&M's latest collaboration, with Moschino.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The food smells good and we join the queue.

The Guardian - Travel

I join the queue and immediately feel like a sucker.

The Guardian - Arts

David Bowie is the latest to join the queue.

The Guardian - Music

Customers arrive in Poisson streams, join the queue and then abandon or get served.

Performance Evaluation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. "Join the queue" implies a physical waiting line. If the waiting is virtual, consider alternatives like "add your name to the waiting list".

Common error

Avoid using "join the queue" for purely virtual or abstract waiting situations. For instance, instead of saying "join the queue for software updates", consider "wait for the software update to become available" to avoid the implication of a physical line.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "join the queue" functions as an imperative, urging someone to become part of an ordered waiting line. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. The examples provided illustrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "join the queue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct or advise someone to enter a waiting line. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, although more prevalent in British English where "queue" is standard terminology for a waiting line. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the context and audience to ensure clarity and appropriateness. For American audiences, "join the line" might be a more familiar alternative. The abundance of examples provided by Ludwig highlights its consistent usage in reputable news sources, academic papers, and general communication, making it a reliable and easily understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

join the line

Replaces "queue" with "line", a more common term in American English.

enter the queue

Substitutes "join" with "enter", emphasizing the action of physically entering the queue.

get in line

Uses a more informal and direct phrasing to convey the same meaning.

line up

A phrasal verb that means to form a line or queue.

join the waiting list

Specifically refers to a list, often used for services or products that are in high demand.

add your name to the list

Emphasizes the act of adding oneself to a list to wait for something.

put your name down

An informal way of saying to register or enlist in a waiting list.

take a number

Refers to a system where people receive a number to indicate their position in a queue.

await your turn

Focuses on the act of waiting for one's turn in a sequence.

fall in line

Suggests conformity and joining an existing order.

FAQs

What does it mean to "join the queue"?

To "join the queue" means to enter a line or sequence of people waiting for something, such as a service, product, or opportunity.

Is "join the queue" more common in British or American English?

"Join the queue" is more commonly used in British English. In American English, the equivalent phrase is "join the line".

What are some alternatives to saying "join the queue"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "get in line", "line up", or "add your name to the list".

When is it appropriate to use "join the queue"?

It's appropriate to use "join the queue" when referring to a physical line of people waiting for something. For virtual or abstract waiting situations, consider alternatives like "wait your turn" or "join the waiting list".