to be lining up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be lining up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of people or things forming a line or queue, often in anticipation of something. Example: "The students are to be lining up outside the auditorium for the assembly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People used to be lining up for coaching positions.

The New York Times

Beyond that, who is going to be lining up to work for Cleveland?

The Washington Post

The army's rank and file seemed to be lining up behind the junior officers.

The New York Times

Outside officials and community leaders seemed to be lining up behind different candidates.

The New York Times

"I am sure they are all going to be lining up," Jones said.

The Guardian - Sport

The party already seems to be lining up Yoshiro Mori as Mr. Obuchi's successor.

The New York Times

David Poile, the Nashville general manager, said "things seem to be lining up" for Radulov's return for a playoff run.

The New York Times

And do I really want to pay $71,000, only to be lining up some weekend for a Zipcar?

The New York Times

— LYNN ZINSER Weren't we supposed to be lining up two by two to board the Ark by now?

The New York Times

Flood is thought to be lining up a deal with Toulouse that will double his current £150,000 basic salary.

Independent

"From the floor, people just seemed to be lining up with complaints, one after the other," he recalls.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be lining up" when describing a situation where people or objects are forming a queue or preparing in an orderly fashion for an event or action.

Common error

While acceptable, "to be lining up" may sound informal in some formal or business contexts. Consider using alternatives like "to be preparing" or "to be assembling" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be lining up" functions as a continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of forming a line or preparing for something. It describes the process rather than a completed state. Ludwig's examples show its application in diverse contexts, from people waiting in queues to organizations preparing for an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be lining up" is a common verb phrase used to describe the ongoing action of forming a line or queue. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "to be preparing" or "to be assembling". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, affirming its role as a versatile and readily understood expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be queuing up

Replaces "lining up" with a synonym, maintaining the sense of forming a queue.

to be forming a line

Uses a more literal description of the action, emphasizing the physical formation of a line.

to be queuing

A shortened version of "to be queuing up", more common in British English.

to be queuing in line

Emphasizes the act of queuing in a physical line.

to be standing in a queue

More direct and descriptive, highlighting the physical act of standing in line.

to be assembling

Conveys a sense of gathering or coming together, often in an organized manner.

to be preparing

Highlights the anticipatory aspect of getting ready for something.

to be getting ready

Similar to "to be preparing", but slightly less formal.

to be awaiting

Focuses on the act of waiting for something, often in an orderly fashion.

to be positioning oneself

Emphasizes the individual's act of placing themselves in a strategic location.

FAQs

How can I use "to be lining up" in a sentence?

You can use "to be lining up" to describe people forming a queue, as in "The fans "to be lining up" for the concert tickets early in the morning". It can also describe preparations for an event, like "The organizers "to be lining up" the chairs for the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "to be lining up"?

Some alternatives include "to be queuing", "to be forming a line", or "to be assembling". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to be lining up"?

"To be lining up" is appropriate when describing the act of people or things forming a line in anticipation of something. It is commonly used in news and media, as well as in general conversation.

What's the difference between "to be lining up" and "to be queuing"?

Both "to be lining up" and "to be queuing" refer to forming a line. "To be queuing" is more common in British English, while "to be lining up" is more commonly used in American English. Both are generally interchangeable.