I am waiting in line vs I am waiting on line

Both phrases are correct, but their usage depends on regional differences. 'I am waiting in line' is more commonly used in American English, while 'I am waiting on line' is more common in British English. Both phrases convey the same meaning of waiting in a queue.

Last updated: March 08, 2024 • 1253 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in American English.

"I am waiting in line"

This phrase is commonly used in American English to indicate waiting in a queue or line of people.

Examples:

I am waiting in line to buy tickets for the concert.
She is waiting in line at the grocery store.
We were waiting in line for the bus.
He was waiting in line to order food at the restaurant.
They are waiting in line to enter the museum.

Show examples from the web [+]

We (the people who write this site) say "I am waiting in line at the store," but we are aware that there are parts of the US (the NYC area, for one) where "I am ...
... 2-hours of your life” mark, but I haven't even gotten up to the counter to get my number. Yes, you read that correctly, I am waiting in line to get a ticket… to […] ...
Jan 12, 2015 ... Yes, you read that correctly, I am waiting in line to get a ticket… to wait in another line. I hate my life. My feet are hurting from standing.
Lately when I am waiting in line at the grocery store or pumping gas, I whip out my iPhone and read email. Then, I pull away from the pump feeling like I was ...

Alternatives:

I am standing in line
I am queuing up
I am in the line
I am waiting my turn
I am in the queue

This phrase is correct and commonly used in British English.

"I am waiting on line"

This phrase is commonly used in British English to indicate waiting in a queue or line of people.

Examples:

She is waiting on line at the bank.
We were waiting on line to get into the museum.
He was waiting on line to pay for his groceries.
They are waiting on line for the bus.
I am waiting on line to speak with the manager.

Show examples from the web [+]

... waiting in line at the store," but we are aware that there are parts of the US (the NYC area, for one) where "I am waiting on line at the store" is commonly heard.
Dec 19, 2014 ... ... a lot based on the keywords provided by the screenshots, but get nothing. eagerly expect your feedback. thx in advice. I am waiting on-line.
... line reservations, its sending me to million different things. Now i am waiting on line support more than 10 minutes. They are just horrible!!!!! Was this review …
Every time I come to this place I am waiting on line for a very long time. The store is never busy but there always seems to be a line. Very annoying. There seems ...

Alternatives:

I am standing on line
I am queuing up
I am on the line
I am waiting my turn
I am in the queue

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I am waiting in line vs I am waiting on line