move up the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move up the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a situation in which someone or something is moved ahead of others in a line or queue. For example: "I was able to move up the queue and get tickets to the show before they sold out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Messrs Massey and Thaler show how coaches prize the chance to move up the queue: the right to pick first typically trades for about twice as much as the right to pick ten places later.

The Economist

If the Lords reverse the Court of Appeal's ruling, turning some supposedly fixed charges into floating ones, the state will move up the queue in insolvencies predating the change in the law.It is right that the case may go to the Lords.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Move up the levels.

WikiHow

Students spend vast amounts of time and money to move up in the queue for good jobs.

The Economist

Moving up the main levels were more small waterfalls, pools of clear rushing water, a natural water slide, and higher and higher jumping spots with short queues of people.

BBC

Team GB had originally been allocated only one place but moved up the queue after a number of countries withdrew injured riders.

The Guardian - Sport

Interestingly, the new app also has a feature where people can pay extra to hear their song earlier, moving it up the queue.

Forbes

But we all know how easy it is to let some calls slip down the queue, while others move up it.

Forbes

Move up the neck.

WikiHow

Jordan knows that a strong showing over the next fortnight will move him up the queue for selection to next year's World Cup, which will be played Down Under.

Independent

For extra Roqbot credits you can set your musical picks to "Priority Pick" which moves them up in the queue.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move up the queue" to describe situations where someone or something progresses to a more favorable position in a waiting list or order. For instance, "Paying extra can move your song up the queue at the bar."

Common error

Avoid using "move up the queue" interchangeably with idioms like "jump the queue", which implies cutting in line unfairly. "Move up the queue" suggests a legitimate or structured method of advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move up the queue" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of advancing or being promoted within a sequence or waiting line. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move up the queue" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, suitable for both literal and figurative contexts. As Ludwig AI reports, this expression is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki articles, it conveys the action of progressing to a better position in a sequence or waiting line. Related phrases include "advance in the line" and "get ahead in the queue". The key is to distinguish it from "jump the queue", which implies unfair advancement. Therefore, using "move up the queue" accurately enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance in the line

Focuses on forward movement in a physical or metaphorical line.

get ahead in the queue

Emphasizes gaining a more advantageous position.

jump the line

Implies bypassing others, often with a negative connotation.

move to the front of the line

Highlights reaching the most prominent position.

be prioritized

Focuses on receiving preferential treatment.

gain precedence

Emphasizes achieving a higher rank or order.

be promoted in the queue

Suggests a structured system where advancement is possible.

rise in the ranks

Implies progress through a hierarchical structure.

accelerate progress

Highlights the speeding up of advancement.

improve one's position

General expression for enhancing status or standing.

FAQs

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

You can use "move up the queue" to describe actions that lead to a better position in a waiting line or sequence. For example, "Submitting your application early will help you "advance in the line"." or "Donating blood can help you "be prioritized" for certain medical procedures depending on the hospital policy".

What is a similar expression to "move up the queue"?

Similar expressions include "get ahead in the queue", "be promoted in the queue", or "gain precedence", all of which suggest improving one's position in a sequence.

Is "move up the queue" the same as "jump the queue"?

No, "move up the queue" and "jump the queue" have different connotations. "Move up the queue" suggests a legitimate method of advancement, while "jump the queue" implies cutting in line or gaining an unfair advantage.

Can "move up the queue" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "move up the queue" can be used literally, such as in a physical line, or figuratively, such as in a waiting list for a job or opportunity. For instance, "Completing extra courses can help you "improve one's position" for promotion".