skip the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"skip the line" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to avoid waiting in a queue or line for something. Example: "You can save time by purchasing your tickets online and skipping the line at the entrance of the amusement park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

No, I couldn't skip the line.

The New Yorker

All attendees will even be allowed to skip the line into the fair!

Columbia University

Those who skip this step in the automated process don't get to skip the line.

The New York Times - Travel

Kwartler advised them to skip the line and get takeout from a place nearby.

The New Yorker

One such story involved nothing more than letting a young woman skip the line for a restroom.

University of California, Berkeley

After the warmup, you'll get to skip the line and be the first to enter the career fair.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Airlines sell access to early boarding, and you can buy a pass at Universal Studios to skip the lines.

The New York Times

I've signed up for a government program that lets saps like me skip the lines.

TechCrunch

That lets customers skip the lines and speeds up order processing for its employees.

TechCrunch

Skip the lines and join John and I as we roam the halls of E3.

TechCrunch

Similarly, with Jamba Juice, PayPal says that you'll be able to skip the lines with this pick-up feature as well.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider the context and the specific type of 'line' you're referring to. The phrase can apply to physical queues, but also metaphorical ones like application processes.

Common error

Be mindful that while "skip the line" describes a benefit, it can also imply unfairness or privilege. Avoid using it in contexts where fairness and equal access are paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skip the line" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a larger sentence structure. It describes an action of bypassing a queue or avoiding a waiting line. Ludwig examples show how it's used to describe benefits like priority boarding or app features. The phrase usually acts as a direct object of another verb such as "allows", "lets", or "enables".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skip the line" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that means to avoid waiting in a queue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used in news, business, and general contexts to highlight convenience or special privileges. While generally neutral, be aware of its implications regarding fairness. Alternatives like "jump the queue" or "gain priority access" can be used for slight variations in meaning or formality. When employing this phrase in your writing, prioritize clarity and situational appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jump the queue

More common in British English, slightly more informal.

bypass the queue

Slightly more formal and technical.

cut in line

Implies interrupting an existing queue, slightly more negative connotation.

get ahead of the line

Emphasizes the result of being in front.

jump ahead

More general, not specifically about queues.

avoid waiting in line

More descriptive, less idiomatic.

gain priority access

Focuses on the privilege of faster entry.

get fast-tracked

Often used in bureaucratic contexts.

enter without waiting

Very literal and descriptive.

obtain expedited entry

Highly formal and often related to events or venues.

FAQs

How can I use "skip the line" in a sentence?

You can use "skip the line" to describe the action of avoiding a queue, for example: "Purchasing a FastPass allows you to "skip the line" at popular attractions".

What does "skip the line" mean?

The phrase "skip the line" means to avoid waiting in a queue, typically by having a special privilege or access.

What can I say instead of "skip the line"?

You can use alternatives like "jump the queue", "bypass the queue", or "gain priority access" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "skip the line"?

It is appropriate when describing a service, feature, or privilege that allows someone to avoid waiting in a queue, such as a mobile ordering app or a VIP pass. However, consider its social implications as explained in the writing guidance.