stood in a queue

USAGE SUMMARY

"stood in a queue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is waiting in line or waiting to be served in a store, etc. For example, "She had been standing in a queue for over an hour before she reached the counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We stood in a queue with the other great and good, and we chatted a lot and were asked to be quiet by the footmen.

The Guardian - Books

And if you took a whole day off work, borrowed money for the transport and stood in a queue all day, only to learn that the clinic had run out of your pills, what would you do?

The Guardian

All the same, I stood in a queue on the Mound behind a pair of American tourists who were sure they were going to be within spitting distance of greatness, touching the hem, as it were, of "the real man behind the legend", as it says in the publicity.

Independent

On my first day of university, I stood in a queue to collect my student ID card, which would enable me to open various establishment doors – a card I would lose two days later, resulting in me spending three years waiting next to said doors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Oh, paid six quid and stood in a queue at Starbucks for 15 minutes because you fancied a 'hot choccie' halfway through a shopping trip did you, mate?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"You stand in a queue," Mary said.

The Guardian - Books

"In England, we love to stand in a queue," he said.

The New Yorker

In Zimbabwe, well in all of Africa, banks have pillars, and you stand in a queue.

The New York Times

Drugs helped: "I could stand in a queue without getting impatient and watch the news without getting distracted".

The Economist

I can't stand to sit in a waiting room or stand in a queue or anything, I just go berserk, you know.

The Guardian - Books

We could see the audience was on mobile – you only have to stand in a queue in Pret to see that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stood in a queue" to describe physically waiting in line, especially when emphasizing the act of standing. Consider the context and audience; "queue" is more common in British English, while "line" is more common in American English.

Common error

Avoid using "queue" and "line" interchangeably without considering your audience. While both refer to waiting lines, "queue" is predominantly used in British English, and using it in an American context might sound unnatural. Stick to "line" for American audiences to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stood in a queue" functions as a verb phrase with a prepositional phrase, describing an action of waiting in a specific order. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stood in a queue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of waiting in line, especially in British English. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English and finds relevance in various contexts, including news, formal business settings, and scientific publications. While "queue" might be replaced with "line" for an American audience, the phrase remains a clear and effective way to convey the experience of waiting one's turn. The analysis reveals a neutral register and provides several alternative phrases for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waited in line

Focuses on the action of waiting, using "line" instead of "queue".

was in line

Indicates a state of being within a queue or line.

lined up

A more concise way of saying "stood in a queue", implying the same action.

queued up

Uses the verb "queue" directly, common in British English.

joined the queue

Highlights the action of entering an existing line.

was queuing

Continuous form of queuing, more common in British English.

waited one's turn

Emphasizes the concept of waiting for one's opportunity.

stood waiting

Focuses on the action of standing while waiting.

waited patiently in line

Adds the element of patience to the act of waiting in line.

formed a queue

Describes the creation of a line, rather than an individual's action.

FAQs

What does "stood in a queue" mean?

The phrase "stood in a queue" means that someone was physically standing and waiting in a line, typically for service or access to something. It emphasizes the act of standing while waiting.

What is the difference between "stood in a queue" and "waited in line"?

While both phrases describe waiting in order, "stood in a queue" specifically highlights the physical act of standing. "Waited in line" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply standing.

Is it more appropriate to say "stood in a queue" or "stood in a line"?

The choice depends on the regional dialect. "Stood in a queue" is commonly used in British English, while "stood in a line" is more common in American English. Both are grammatically correct, but one might sound more natural depending on the context and the audience.

What are some alternatives to "stood in a queue"?

Alternatives include "lined up", "waited one's turn", or "joined the queue". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.