waiting in a queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting in a queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of standing or sitting in line for something, such as a service or event. Example: "After waiting in a queue for over an hour, we finally reached the ticket counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Even at Harvard, you're normally waiting in a queue".

The New Yorker

No waiting in a queue of people, it was great.

The Guardian - Business

Take a universal constituent part of the human condition: our distaste for waiting in a queue.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will be waiting in a queue to see her at the Serpentine Gallery.

The Guardian

I said, 'This is unbelievable, this is amazing, it opens up this whole area.' " Back then the Grace experiment was still waiting in a queue of NASA projects.

The New York Times - Science

Recently, my photograph was unknowingly taken while waiting in a queue, and later posted on Reddit under the subject "I'm not sure what to conclude from this".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Then, if one is interested in determining the average number of customers waiting in a queueing system for which the M/M/1 queue would be a good fit, all s/he needs to do is plug in the actual values for the arrival rate λ, and the service rate μ.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Eleven rebels waited in a queue and raped Jean Paul in turn.

The Guardian

For example, suppose that customers arrive at times 0 = T0 < T1 < T2 <⋯ and wait in a queue until their turn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many were forced to wait in a queue, while others claimed to have been given access to other people's private details.

Independent

She waited in a queue for 10 hours, she says, and goes on to outline a little-known fact about the X Factor process.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision, specify the reason for waiting in the queue: "waiting in a queue for tickets", "waiting in a queue at the bank".

Common error

While "waiting in a queue" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repetitively in a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "standing in line" or "queuing up" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting in a queue" functions primarily as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of waiting as part of an ordered sequence. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing both literal queues (for tickets, services) and more abstract queuing scenarios (in computing). Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting in a queue" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of waiting in an ordered line. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in both British and American English, although "line" is more common in the US. The phrase functions as a verbal phrase, serving to convey the experience of waiting sequentially. While versatile, avoiding overuse and considering synonyms like "standing in line" or "queuing up" can enhance writing. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts, making it a useful phrase across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in line

A very common and shorter version

standing in line

A common alternative, particularly in American English, emphasizing the physical arrangement.

in the queue

Shorter version, focusing on location.

in a waiting line

Slightly more descriptive, highlighting that the line is for waiting.

queuing up

Focuses on the action of joining a queue, rather than the state of waiting.

lining up

Similar to "queuing up", it emphasizes the act of forming a line.

waiting one's turn

Similar to "awaiting one's turn", but a little more general.

awaiting one's turn

Highlights the expectation of an opportunity after the wait.

queuing

A gerund form of the verb, useful to describe activity. Less specific.

in a waiting list

Implies a more formal or structured waiting arrangement, often for services or products.

FAQs

What's the difference between "waiting in a queue" and "standing in line"?

"Waiting in a queue" and "standing in line" are generally interchangeable. "Queue" is more common in British English, while "line" is more prevalent in American English. Both refer to waiting in an ordered sequence.

How can I use "waiting in a queue" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting in a queue" to describe the act of standing or sitting in line for something. For example, "We spent hours waiting in a queue for the concert tickets".

What can I say instead of "waiting in a queue"?

Alternatives include "lining up", "queuing up", "in line", or "awaiting one's turn", depending on the specific context.

Is "waiting on a queue" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "waiting in a queue". The preposition "in" indicates being positioned within the line, while "on" would not be appropriate in this context.