wait in a queue

Meaning

This phrase means to stand in a line of people waiting for their turn to do something, such as buying tickets or boarding a bus. 'Queue' is primarily used in British, Australian, and South African English, whereas American English speakers prefer 'wait in line'. It is a neutral, everyday expression.

Examples

• We had to wait in a queue for over an hour to get into the museum.

  We had to wait in a queue for over an hour to get into the museum.

• I hate having to wait in a queue at the post office.

  I hate having to wait in a queue at the post office.

• Please wait in a queue until your number is called.

  Please wait in a queue until your number is called.

• They had to wait in a queue in the cold just to buy concert tickets.

  They had to wait in a queue in the cold just to buy concert tickets.

• Is this where we wait in a queue for the airport shuttle?

  Is this where we wait in a queue for the airport shuttle?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We had to wait on a queue.

  ✓ We had to wait in a queue.

  In British English, you wait 'in' a queue. In American English, people sometimes say 'wait on line', but 'wait in line' remains the standard.

• ✗ I am waiting a queue.

  ✓ I am waiting in a queue.

  You must use the preposition 'in' to indicate that you are positioned inside the line of waiting people.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to buy a ticket, you have to ___ like everyone else.

  💡 Stand in line for your turn.

  Show answer

  wait in a queue

• I decided not to enter the store because I didn't want to ___.

  💡 Avoid standing in a line of customers.

  Show answer

  wait in a queue