stand in queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand in queue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where a group of people are awaiting their turn to do something. For example: "The customers all stood in queue, waiting to be served at the checkout."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Three times I have to stand in queue, so my entire day time is spent standing in queues.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

This resulted in long queues and waiting hours, increasing the burden on ART programme staff and on the conduct and functioning of outpatient clinics run by other departments: I come here in the morning at 8, then stand in queue for making pass and case papers.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Brokers stand in queues to meet with underwriters.

The Economist

"We're tired of having to stand in queues with the government not resolving anything.

The Guardian

"Frankly speaking, travelling with young children, it was great we didn't have to stand in queues.

The Guardian

Zhuk wanted his programmers to be able to afford three meals a day without having to barter, stand in queues for hours, or moonlight.

Harvard Business Review

But I owe it to myself and to all the people who stand in queues to go to these auditions to make something out of the opportunity".

The Guardian - Music

IT IS mayhem at the Tokyo Stock Exchange not on the old trading floor, but a few floors above, where company officers and couriers jostle in the hallways and stand in queues to hand over annual results.

The Economist

By paying his programmers more than they could make at any local company, he hopes to raise their standard of living so they can afford three meals a day without having to barter, stand in queues for hours, or moonlight.

Harvard Business Review

They stand in queues in the rain, they sit in small, stuffy rooms on uncomfortable seats, they often have a drink in hand, but they are engaged and behave impeccably.

The Guardian

Hundreds braved the cold and the wind to stand in queues, which started forming as early as 04 30.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stand in queue", consider the context. If you want to emphasize the physical formation, "wait in line" or "line up" might be more appropriate. If you want to emphasize the act of joining, "join the queue" is a better option.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "queue" as "cue" or "q". "Cue" refers to a signal or prompt, while "queue" specifically refers to a line of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand in queue" functions primarily as a verbal phrase describing the action of waiting in a line. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, indicating it's a standard way to describe awaiting one's turn.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand in queue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of waiting in a line. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly when emphasizing the physical act of standing while waiting. While alternatives like "wait in line" and "queue up" exist, "stand in queue" remains a clear and common way to convey this meaning. Predominantly used in news, formal business, and science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register and is widely understood. Be mindful of its potential British English leaning. To enhance your writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most appropriate alternative. Always avoid misspelling the word "queue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

queue up

A more concise phrasal verb alternative.

wait in line

Commonly used, focuses on the linear arrangement.

line up

Similar to "wait in line", emphasizing the formation of a line.

join the queue

Highlights the act of becoming part of an existing queue.

get in line

Emphasizes the action of positioning oneself in a queue.

form a queue

Focuses on the creation of the queue itself.

await one's turn

Emphasizes the anticipation of being served or attended to.

take one's place in the queue

More formal way of saying to join the queue.

bide one's time in line

Emphasizes patience while waiting.

stand in anticipation

Similar to "stand in queue", with a stronger emphasis on expectancy.

FAQs

What does "stand in queue" mean?

The phrase "stand in queue" means to wait in a line of people, typically for a service or an opportunity.

What can I say instead of "stand in queue"?

You can use alternatives like "wait in line", "queue up", or "line up" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stand in queue"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "stand in queue". It is a common and accepted phrase in English.

What is the difference between "stand in queue" and "wait in line"?

While both phrases have similar meanings, "wait in line" is more commonly used in American English, whereas "stand in queue" is frequently used in British English.