rear of the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rear of the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the back position in a line of people waiting for something. Example: "I arrived late and had to stand at the rear of the queue for tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

FIFO algorithm has been used to maintain the set of active nodes in which the front node is always selected for discharging and the newly active node is added to the rear of the queue [33].

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meanwhile, if a bus arrives at t m, the bus causes no interference at the rear of the car queue, and the car delay is thus D. Therefore, we can regard the average of the range from D to D op1 as the car delay when a bus queues with cars.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Back of the queue?

Independent

I'm way at the back of the queue".

Independent

Shoved to the back of the queue for gallbladder removal?

Independent

We would be "going to the back of the queue".

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, we remove (x, w) from the head position of the queue and append (v, w) at the tail of the queue.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Rustling with Kalashnikovs ReprintsNassar, a young mourner who came to Cairo's Abbaseya cathedral in his Sunday best, stood pensive at the rear of the kilometre-long queue to pay respects to the departed pope.

The Economist

Terrorism, climate change, cyber risk, political change, and other forms for man-made risk can no longer be consigned to the rear of the global threat matrix; On the contrary, they should be moved to the top of the queue.

Huffington Post

QLEN is the length of the queue.

Yale University

Once inside, memories of the queue soon fade.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a literal line of people, ensure that using "rear of the queue" is appropriate and not overly formal. Consider alternatives like "back of the line" for more casual contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "rear of the queue" in very informal settings. It can sound stilted or overly formal when describing a casual line.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rear of the queue" functions as a prepositional phrase specifying a location or position, particularly the end of a waiting line. It modifies a noun, indicating where something or someone is situated in relation to the queue. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rear of the queue" is a prepositional phrase used to describe the back or end position in a waiting line. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig suggests that it leans towards a slightly formal register. Alternatives such as "back of the line" might be more suitable for informal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific publications. Overall, its usage is relatively rare, but its meaning is clear and well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back of the line

Replaces "queue" with "line", a more general term for a waiting formation.

end of the line

Similar to "back of the line", emphasizing the final position.

tail of the queue

Uses "tail" instead of "rear", maintaining the queue metaphor.

at the end of the queue

A slightly more verbose version emphasizing the position.

back of the waiting list

Emphasizes a formal list rather than a physical queue.

last in line

A more concise way to express being at the end of a queue.

last place in the queue

Highlights the position as the last one.

bottom of the queue

Uses "bottom" to indicate the lowest or final position.

behind everyone else

A more general phrase indicating a position at the end.

at the back

Simple and concise, omitting the specific mention of a queue but implying it.

FAQs

What does "rear of the queue" mean?

The phrase "rear of the queue" refers to the back or end position in a line of people waiting for something.

What can I say instead of "rear of the queue"?

You can use alternatives like "back of the line", "end of the line", or "tail of the queue".

Is "rear of the queue" formal or informal?

"Rear of the queue" tends to be slightly more formal than alternatives like "back of the line" but is generally acceptable in most contexts.

How can I use "rear of the queue" in a sentence?

Example: "Having arrived late, I found myself at the "rear of the queue", waiting patiently for my turn."