was standing in the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was standing in the queue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is currently or was previously in a line or queue, typically waiting for something. Example: "She was standing in the queue for the concert tickets when she realized she forgot her wallet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I bet that's how I would have seen it if I was standing in the queue, being made to miss my connection, watching a drunk rock star being rude to someone on a lower pay grade over some JD.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When I walk in, he is standing in the queue, on his own, casually dressed, looking as ordinary and unobtrusive as he can.

The Guardian - Film

Mr Hanif, from London, had been standing in the queue when the woman began shouting at the postal assistant.

BBC

The cashier is not resting at the bank, he has to deal with hundreds of people like you everyday, so don't shout if he takes a while at the time when you're standing in the queue.

WikiHow

As you're standing in the queue waiting to pay for your mundane everyday items, if you find yourself falling for the doe-eyed stuffed teddy holding a heart while wishing someone would send you one of those soppy cards, or you're salivating over the box of heart-shaped chocolates, consider treating yourself instead of beating yourself up.

WikiHow

I was standing in the bathroom queue.

The New Yorker

I'm going to be standing in the bookshop queue just before midnight on 13 July, ready to snap up a copy of Go Set a Watchman and liveblog reactions to it.

The Guardian - Books

You're standing in the lunch queue at the work canteen and you see the menu; two options, one with meat, the other labelled (in big off-putting green type) Vegetarian Option.

The Guardian - Money

I'm standing in the check-in queue for Britain's first long-haul, no-frills flight to Asia, and they are handing out free booze.

The Guardian - Travel

At 8pm, a queue of people are standing in the street.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hall said the idea for a new series of Civilisation, nearly 50 years after the original, "came when I was standing in a queue for an arts exhibition in London and I thought 'Blimey!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was standing in the queue" to clearly describe someone's physical presence and inactivity while waiting their turn. It's more descriptive than simply saying someone "was in the queue".

Common error

While "queue" and "line" are often interchangeable, be mindful of regional preferences. "Queue" is more common in British English, while "line" is preferred in American English. Choose the term appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was standing in the queue" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating a state of being and action in the past. It combines the past continuous tense of "to be" with a participial phrase to describe someone's physical presence and waiting in a line. Ludwig provides several examples where it serves to set the scene or provide context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was standing in the queue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes someone's action of waiting in line. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread application, particularly in News & Media. While "queue" leans towards British English, it's generally understood. Consider alternatives like "was waiting in line" for American audiences. Use this phrase to set a scene or describe a past situation where someone was physically waiting their turn.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was waiting in line

More common in American English; implies the same action of waiting.

was queuing up

Synonymous, but "queuing up" emphasizes the action of joining the queue.

stood in the queue

Similar, but "stood" is a completed action in the past.

was in the queue

Slightly less specific; implies presence in the queue without emphasizing the act of standing.

was lined up

Implies a more formal or organized queue.

was in a queue

Less specific, suggesting presence within any queue.

was awaiting in the queue

Adds a sense of anticipation or expectation while waiting.

found oneself in the queue

Suggests unexpectedly ending up in the queue.

ended up standing in the queue

Highlights the result of a series of events that lead to standing in line.

was held up in the queue

Indicates that progress was slowed or stopped while in the queue.

FAQs

What does "was standing in the queue" mean?

It means someone was physically present and waiting in a line, typically for their turn to be served or processed.

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

Both phrases are similar, but "was standing in the queue" is more common in British English, while "was waiting in line" is more common in American English. They both describe the act of waiting in a line.

Is it correct to say "was standing on the queue"?

No, the correct preposition is "in". You should say "was standing in the queue". Using "on" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

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

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