skipping the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skipping the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of bypassing a queue or waiting list, often in a context where someone is allowed to go ahead of others. Example: "I was frustrated to see someone skipping the line at the coffee shop while I had been waiting for over twenty minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

And if he could, wasn't he skipping the line?

The New York Times

Illegal immigrants convicted of committing crime get to stay – collecting social security benefits, skipping the line".

The Guardian

But skipping the line while ordinary theatergoers wait is no longer allowed.

The New York Times

The first half of the ad hammers this home by saying: "Illegal immigrants convicted of committing crimes get to stay, collecting social security benefits—skipping the line". This is a twofer psychologically: you get both the fear element and the unfairness kicker.

Harvard Business Review

When attendees arrive at the show, they can then check into the show with GPS Events (effectively skipping the line).

TechCrunch

Instead, VCs are distracted by apps for millennials like private chefs, valet parking and skipping the line while clubbing (yes, there is a new app for this).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 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

"Kids can come here and report that someone skipped the line, or somebody took their kidzos.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skipping the line", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the action is permissible (e.g. with a FastPass) or unethical, as the phrase often carries a negative connotation of unfairness.

Common error

Avoid using "skipping the line" when a more neutral term like "expedited entry" is appropriate, especially in formal contexts. The phrase can imply an unjust advantage if not carefully framed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skipping the line" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes the action of bypassing a queue or standard order.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skipping the line" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of bypassing a queue, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its connotation can range from neutral to negative, depending on the context. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and academia, maintaining a neutral register. Alternatives include "cutting in line" and "expedited access", depending on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, consider the implication of fairness and whether a more neutral alternative might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting in line

Emphasizes the action of interrupting a queue.

jumping the queue

A more British English idiom for the same concept.

bypassing the queue

A more formal and direct way to express avoiding a line.

going to the front

Indicates moving ahead of others in a waiting situation.

getting ahead of others

Highlights the competitive aspect of moving before others.

obtaining preferential treatment

Focuses on receiving special advantages over others.

circumventing procedures

Refers to avoiding established protocols.

evading the standard process

Highlights the avoidance of normal procedures.

gaining early access

Suggests obtaining access before the general public.

getting VIP access

Implies special privileges that allow one to bypass regular waits.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "skipping the line" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "expedited access", "priority entry", or "bypassing the standard procedure" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a more casual way to say "skipping the line"?

For a more casual tone, you can use phrases like "cutting in line" or "jumping the queue" depending on the region (the latter is more common in British English).

Is "skipping the line" always considered a negative action?

Not necessarily. "Skipping the line" can be neutral or even positive when it's done legitimately, such as with a valid pass or membership that grants priority access. However, it often implies unfairness if done without permission or justification.

Which is correct, "skipping the line" or "skip the line"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "Skipping the line" is a gerund phrase (a verb acting as a noun) often used as a subject or object. "Skip the line" is an imperative verb phrase, used as a command or suggestion.