long queue

USAGE SUMMARY

"long queue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a line of people or vehicles waiting in line for something; for example, "We had to wait in a long queue at the airport to check in for our flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long queue and queueing times have negative economic and environmental impacts.

European Transport Research Review

There's a long queue.

Independent

There's a very long queue.

The Guardian

"I'm not expecing a long queue".

The Guardian

Manned, unless there's a long queue.

The Guardian - Tech

This morning, there is a long queue for the bathroom.

The Guardian

There has not been a long queue at his door.

The Guardian - Sport

A long queue formed and he was there for hours.

The Guardian - Arts

Outside the Accademia there is a long queue.

The Guardian - Arts

A long queue of anti-abortion bills is awaiting consideration in Congress.

The Economist

Hoppers suffers the reputational nightmare of all the capital's hot new places: a bloody long queue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "long queue", consider adding sensory details (e.g. the murmur of voices, shuffling feet) to enhance the reader's experience and convey the atmosphere of waiting.

Common error

Avoid using "cue" when you mean "queue". "Queue" refers to a line of people or vehicles, while "cue" refers to a signal or prompt for action. For example, "There was a long queue at the entrance" is correct, not "There was a long cue at the entrance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long queue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "long" modifies the noun "queue". It describes a line of people or things waiting for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long queue" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a substantial line of people or objects awaiting their turn. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It's important to differentiate it from "cue" and to use sensory details when possible to enrich descriptions. Alternatives like "lengthy queue" or "extensive waiting line" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance desired. With a neutral formality level, "long queue" is appropriate for both casual and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable queue

Emphasizes the size or extent of the queue.

lengthy queue

Highlights the extended duration one might spend in the queue.

extensive waiting line

Replaces "queue" with "waiting line" for broader understanding, emphasizing the waiting aspect.

prolonged queue

Focuses on the duration or continuation of the queue's existence.

extended line

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the physical length of the line.

substantial queue

Indicates the queue is significant in size or impact.

large line-up

Uses "line-up" as a synonym for queue, implying a more organized waiting arrangement.

protracted wait

Shifts focus from the queue itself to the act of waiting and its extended nature.

significant delay

Emphasizes the result of the queue, which is a notable delay in progress.

formidable line

Implies the queue is intimidating or challenging due to its length or complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "long queue" to describe situations where many people or items are waiting in a line. For example: "The concert was so popular that there was a "long queue" outside the venue hours before the show began."

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

A "long queue" indicates a substantial number of people or items waiting, potentially leading to a significant wait time. Conversely, a "short queue" implies fewer people waiting, resulting in a quicker wait.

What can I say instead of "long queue"?

You can use alternatives like "lengthy queue", "considerable queue", or "extensive waiting line" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "long queue" or "long line"?

Both "long queue" and "long line" are correct and commonly used, but "long queue" is more prevalent in British English, while "long line" is more common in American English.