was in the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's position or status in a line or waiting list. Example: "I arrived at the event early because I knew there would be a long wait, and I was in the queue for over an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I was in the queue shopping recently and the guy in front was wearing his headphones," Mayo adds.

Independent

At the first appointment I read a pamphlet on the symptoms of HIV/Aids when I was in the queue.

The Guardian

Dylan Stone, a 47-year-old lecturer in art and film and storyboarding, was in the queue with his sister, Alexandra, and a student, Rory.

The Guardian - Arts

Liam Dennett, 33, from Cheltenham, was in the queue for the ride when an announcement was made about a technical fault.

The Guardian - Travel

Christina Neumann, who was in the queue for food when she heard the man falling told the Evening Standard: "It's the most awful thing I have ever witnessed in my life".

Independent

"I enrolled at the college where the target studied and on my first day there I heard a bit of an altercation while I was in the queue for lunch.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Government representatives say there are those living who are in the queue in front of Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

But probably not soon enough for whatever libel suit is in the queue.

The New Yorker

* Arrive early; the further ahead you are in the queue, the better the spot you'll get.

Independent

Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary have already joined NATO, and nine other countries, including the Baltic states, are in the queue.

The Economist

We put numbers on everybody's hands so we'd know where we were supposed to be in the queue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was in the queue", ensure it's clear what the queue is for. Provide context to avoid ambiguity, for example, "was in the queue for concert tickets."

Common error

Avoid using "was in the cue" instead of "was in the queue". "Cue" refers to a signal or prompt, while "queue" refers to a line of people or things waiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in the queue" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a state or location. It describes the subject's position within a waiting line or sequence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was in the queue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone waiting in line. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While generally neutral in register, context is key to avoiding ambiguity and ensuring clarity. Alternatives like "was waiting in line" offer slight variations in formality or emphasis. The phrase is widely used across various reliable sources, particularly in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was waiting in line

Replaces "queue" with "line", a more common term in American English.

was standing in the queue

Adds the action of "standing", emphasizing physical presence in the queue.

was part of the queue

Focuses on being a member or element of the queue.

was lined up

A more concise way to say "was in the queue", implying a linear arrangement.

was in the waiting line

Combines "queue" and "line" for emphasis, still implying a sequence.

was in a queue

Removes 'the', indicating a less specific or general queue.

was queuing

Uses the verb form of "queue", indicating the act of waiting.

was awaiting their turn

Shifts the focus to waiting for a turn, rather than the physical queue.

was next in line

Indicates a position close to the front of the queue.

was in the process of waiting

Emphasizes the action and duration of waiting.

FAQs

What does "was in the queue" mean?

The phrase "was in the queue" means someone was waiting in a line, typically for a service, product, or opportunity. It implies an ordered sequence where people wait their turn.

What can I say instead of "was in the queue"?

You can use alternatives like "was waiting in line", "was standing in the queue", or "was lined up" depending on the context.

Is "was in the queue" formal or informal?

The phrase "was in the queue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, "was waiting in line" might be preferred in very informal settings, especially in American English.

How do I use "was in the queue" in a sentence?

You can use "was in the queue" to describe someone's position while waiting, for example, "I was in the queue for over an hour to buy the new phone."