long line

USAGE SUMMARY

"long line" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, for example to describe a line of people waiting at a store opening, such as: "Hundreds of people had formed a long line outside the store in anticipation of its opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Long line?

The Guardian - Opinion

It could be a long line.

The New York Times

Moving ahead in a long line?

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a very long line.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a long line".

The New York Times - Tech

Added the proof and fix long line.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

There was a long line and nobody was being served.

Huffington Post

I come from a long line of musicians.

University of California, Berkeley

We were on a long line waiting for food.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Long-line fishing has depleted their numbers.

The Washington Post

Photographer Clare Benson comes from a long line of hunters.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical queues, use "long line" to convey the idea of a significant wait, indicating popularity or high demand. For example: "There was a "long line" at the new restaurant, so we decided to try it another time."

Common error

Avoid using "long line" when referring to a queue that is simply slow-moving but not necessarily physically long. Instead, consider phrases like "slow-moving line" or "delayed queue" to accurately describe the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long line" functions primarily as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun to describe its length or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. Examples show it describing queues, ancestry, or physical markings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long line" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something extended in length or duration, whether a physical queue, a family history, or a sequence of events. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral to informal register. When using "long line", ensure the context accurately reflects the intended meaning, avoiding its application to slow-moving but not physically extended queues. Alternatives like "extended queue" or "lengthy row" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended queue

Focuses specifically on the queuing aspect, emphasizing the length of the waiting line.

substantial queue

Focuses on the size/amount aspect instead of the length.

sizeable waiting list

Applicable when referring to a list of people waiting for something.

lengthy row

Emphasizes the arrangement in a row rather than a queue, suitable for objects or people aligned.

continuous stretch

Emphasizes the unbroken nature and length of something, like a road or fabric.

protracted sequence

Highlights a sequence of events or items that is longer than usual.

unending series

Highlights the lack of termination or end to the series.

succession of individuals

Refers to a series of people, often implying a hereditary or professional link.

extensive lineage

Specifically denotes ancestry and family history over a considerable time.

considerable file

Implies a line of documents or digital items.

FAQs

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

You can use "long line" to describe a queue of people, objects or any ordered sequence that is physically or metaphorically extended, as in "There was a "long line" to get into the concert".

What can I say instead of "long line"?

You can use alternatives like "extended queue", "lengthy row", or "protracted sequence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a long line of people" or "a long queue of people"?

Both are correct and widely used. "Long line of people" is more general, while "long queue of people" specifically implies people waiting in order.

What's the difference between a "long line" and a "short line"?

A "long line" indicates a considerable number of people or items, resulting in a significant wait or extension. A "short line" implies few people or items, leading to a minimal wait or limited extension.