like a queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that resembles or functions similarly to a queue, often in contexts related to waiting or organizing items or people in a line. Example: "The cars lined up like a queue at the traffic light, each waiting for their turn to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

How often can we see a boy band that look like a queue at Nando's struggling to nail their harmonies or a mini-Mariah sing a dull ballad?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He wrote: 'They appeared to be hurrying along, stooping and undulating like a queue of urgent females with fantastic hats.' After a failed attempt at a career in the Navy, and after ignoring his father's advice to become a barrister, Nash joined the Slade School of Art in 1910.

The Guardian

Future Type Message Passing utilizes future objects that should behave like a queue similar to TChan.

Journal of Cloud Computing: Advances, Systems and Applications

"There a lot of people right now in the department who are registrars who wants to go to school, but because the government doesn't have enough money, then they are in like a queue, they send only like two people, one or two at a time, so I think it's quite difficult".

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

These are groups whose organisational structure is almost entirely automated, more like a queuing system and a repository and a mailing list than a political movement or even a street-gang.

The Guardian - Tech

At moderate normalized system delay, the scheduler acts like a queue-aware proportional fair scheduler, as the priority class weights are approximately the same.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

They find it extremely hard to understand, but believe that "face" is the key to the Chinese spirit and that grasping it will be like grabbing a queue twenty-four yeago ago [when wearing a queue or pig-tail was compulsory] – everything else will follow (Lu 1960, p. 129).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

A novel technique that efficiently counts support values for tree-like patterns using a queue structure is proposed.

Data & Knowledge Engineering

Without belittling truly challenging situations people are going through, look for the brighter side of the run-of-the-mill situations people tend to complain about, like the weather, a queue, a missed deadline or the like.

WikiHow

Like in Turkey, a queue of corporations have begged for help in paying the interest on their foreign debts.

The Guardian - Business

"I had a really nice doctor who would set me totally ridiculous tasks to complete, like standing in a queue in Tesco's until you feel your anxiety has halved.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like a queue", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant. It's most effective when illustrating order, patience, or anticipation in a waiting situation.

Common error

Avoid using "like a queue" in contexts where the primary attribute is not about waiting or order. Ensure the comparison aligns with the intended meaning to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a queue" functions primarily as a simile, comparing something to a queue to illustrate order, sequence, or the act of waiting. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable, reinforcing its role in descriptive language.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like a queue" is a simile used to describe something resembling an ordered line, often implying patience or anticipation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and directly relates to the concept of waiting in an ordered sequence. Alternatives include ""similar to a line"" and "resembling a lineup".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to a line

Emphasizes the linear arrangement, focusing on the physical formation.

resembling a lineup

Highlights the ordered arrangement, often used in contexts of identification or selection.

akin to a waiting line

Specifically focuses on the aspect of waiting in an ordered sequence.

comparable to a succession

Emphasizes the sequential aspect, suggesting a series of items or events following one after another.

analogous to a file

Draws a parallel to a structured, ordered sequence, often in computing or military contexts.

reminiscent of a chain

Implies a connected sequence, where each element is linked to the next.

in the manner of a progression

Highlights the forward movement and ordered advancement.

suggestive of an ordered series

Emphasizes the planned and structured nature of the sequence.

resembling an ordered array

Focuses on the structured arrangement and organized disposition.

after the fashion of a string

Implies a sequence of items or events that are connected.

FAQs

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

You can use "like a queue" to describe something resembling an ordered line or sequence, particularly in situations involving waiting or anticipation. For example, "The cars lined up "similar to a line" at the traffic light".

What's a good alternative to "like a queue"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "resembling a lineup", "akin to a waiting line", or "comparable to a succession" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "as a queue" instead of "like a queue"?

While "like a queue" is a common simile, "as a queue" is less conventional and may sound awkward. Stick to "like a queue" or consider alternative phrases for better clarity.

What is the difference in meaning between "like a queue" and "in a queue"?

"Like a queue" describes something that resembles a queue, whereas "in a queue" indicates being physically part of a queue. For example, "The applicants stood like a queue" means they were arranged as if in a line, while "The applicant was in a queue" indicates they were waiting in a line.