To 'queue' is to wait your turn in an orderly line.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Form a line to wait for something.
- Common in British English for orderly waiting.
- Used for services, shops, and events.
Overview
The verb 'queue' means to form or join a line of people who are waiting for something. This action is common in many everyday situations where demand exceeds immediate supply. It implies an orderly wait, often with the understanding that people will be served in the order they arrived. While primarily used in British English, its meaning is widely understood globally, especially in contexts influenced by British culture.
As a verb, 'queue' typically takes a direct object (what one is queuing for) or is used intransitively. Common prepositions used with 'queue' include 'for' (e.g., 'to queue for tickets') and sometimes 'up' (e.g., 'queue up to enter'). The phrase 'join the queue' or 'get in the queue' is also very common. It can also be used figuratively, though this is less common at the A2 level.
You will frequently hear or read 'queue' in contexts related to:
- Public services: banks, post offices, government offices.
- Retail: shops, especially during sales or for popular items.
- Events: concerts, cinemas, theme parks, for entry or tickets.
- Transportation: bus stops, train stations, airports.
- Food services: cafes, restaurants, food stalls.
While 'queue' specifically refers to forming a line, other words describe waiting or being in a line.
- Line: In American English, 'line' is the more common term for a queue (e.g., 'stand in line'). 'Queue' is understood but less frequently used as a verb in everyday speech.
- Wait: This is a more general term for staying in one place until something happens or someone arrives. You can wait without being in a line.
- Form a line: This phrase is a direct synonym for the action of queuing.
Exemples
We had to queue for a long time at the post office.
everydayTuvimos que hacer cola durante mucho tiempo en la oficina de correos.
Please join the queue and wait patiently for your turn.
formalPor favor, únanse a la cola y esperen pacientemente su turno.
Everyone was queuing up outside the new shop.
informalTodo el mundo estaba haciendo cola fuera de la nueva tienda.
Researchers observed participants queuing for essential services.
academicLos investigadores observaron a los participantes haciendo cola para servicios esenciales.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
join the queue
unirse a la cola
in the queue
en la cola
queue jumper
el que se salta la cola
Souvent confondu avec
In American English, 'line' is the standard term for a queue. While 'queue' is understood, 'line' is used much more frequently in everyday speech and writing.
'Wait' is a general term for staying in place until something happens. You can wait without being in a physical line, whereas 'queue' specifically implies forming an orderly line.
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
The verb 'queue' is more common in British English than in American English. In the US, 'to line up' or 'to stand in line' are the preferred phrases. However, the meaning of 'queue' is widely understood internationally, especially in contexts influenced by British English.
Erreurs courantes
Learners might incorrectly use 'queue' as a noun in American English contexts where 'line' is expected. Also, ensure correct preposition usage, typically 'queue for something'. Avoid using 'queue' when simply 'waiting' without a physical line.
Tips
Think of the 'Q' in Queue
Remember that 'queue' starts with 'Q', just like 'question'. You might have to wait in a queue if you have a question or need service.
Don't Jump the Queue
In cultures where queuing is important, it is considered rude to 'jump the queue', meaning to go to the front of the line without waiting your turn.
British Queuing Culture
Queuing is a significant part of British culture, often seen as a symbol of fairness and order. Brits are generally very serious about maintaining the correct order in a queue.
Origine du mot
The word 'queue' comes from the Old French word 'cue', meaning 'tail'. This refers to the long line of people resembling a tail.
Contexte culturel
In many countries, particularly the UK, queuing is considered a fundamental aspect of orderly social conduct. Maintaining the integrity of the queue is highly valued, and 'queue jumping' is seen as highly impolite.
Astuce mémo
Imagine a long line of people, and each person is asking a 'Q'uestion. They all have to 'queue' up to get their answer.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsWhile 'queue' is understood in American English, the more common term for a line of people waiting is 'line' (e.g., 'stand in line'). 'Queue' is more prevalent in British English.
Yes, 'queue' can also be a noun, referring to the line of people itself (e.g., 'the queue was very long').
When you queue, you stand or wait in a line, usually in the order you arrived, until it's your turn to be served or to proceed.
In British English, 'queue' is the standard term. In American English, you would typically say 'stand in line' or 'get in line'.
Teste-toi
We had to ___ for nearly an hour to buy the concert tickets.
The sentence describes forming a line to wait for tickets, making 'queue' the most appropriate verb.
Excuse me, is this the right ___ for the bus?
In British English, 'queue' is the standard term for a line of people waiting for a bus.
for / the / tickets / we / queue / had / to
This is the standard grammatical structure for this sentence.
Score : /3
Summary
To 'queue' is to wait your turn in an orderly line.
- Form a line to wait for something.
- Common in British English for orderly waiting.
- Used for services, shops, and events.
Think of the 'Q' in Queue
Remember that 'queue' starts with 'Q', just like 'question'. You might have to wait in a queue if you have a question or need service.
Don't Jump the Queue
In cultures where queuing is important, it is considered rude to 'jump the queue', meaning to go to the front of the line without waiting your turn.
British Queuing Culture
Queuing is a significant part of British culture, often seen as a symbol of fairness and order. Brits are generally very serious about maintaining the correct order in a queue.
Exemples
4 sur 4We had to queue for a long time at the post office.
Tuvimos que hacer cola durante mucho tiempo en la oficina de correos.
Please join the queue and wait patiently for your turn.
Por favor, únanse a la cola y esperen pacientemente su turno.
Everyone was queuing up outside the new shop.
Todo el mundo estaba haciendo cola fuera de la nueva tienda.
Researchers observed participants queuing for essential services.
Los investigadores observaron a los participantes haciendo cola para servicios esenciales.
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