stand on line vs stand in line

Both 'stand on line' and 'stand in line' are commonly used phrases, but their usage depends on regional differences. 'Stand on line' is more commonly used in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York City, while 'stand in line' is more widely accepted and used in other English-speaking regions.

Last updated: March 06, 2024 • 1552 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in the northeastern United States, especially in New York City.

"stand on line"

This phrase is commonly used in the northeastern United States to mean waiting in a line. It is not as widely used in other English-speaking regions.

Examples:

I had to stand on line for an hour to get tickets to the show.
Why are you standing on line? The queue is moving slowly.
In New York, people are used to standing on line for popular restaurants.
She was standing on line at the bank when she realized she forgot her ID.
The students were standing on line waiting for the school bus.

Show examples from the web [+]

May 22, 2007 ... Q: I clearly have too much time on my hands, but I was wondering if it's correct English for New Yorkers to stand “on line” instead of “in line.”.
Mar 26, 2015 ... One regionalism that jumps out at me every time I visit New York is how people there say they stand on line instead of saying they stand in line.
Aug 7, 2010 ... If there is an actual line drawn on the floor, I might stand on line. .... I strongly suspect that "stand on line" predates remote connection - I'm sure ...
And much has been said about vocabulary—if you say “dungarees” instead of “ jeans”; if you stand “in” line or, as only a New Yorker can do, stand “on” line.

Alternatives:

stand in line
queue up
wait in line
line up
get in line

This phrase is correct and widely used in most English-speaking regions.

"stand in line"

This phrase is the more widely accepted and used term to mean waiting in a line. It is used in most English-speaking regions.

Examples:

We had to stand in line for hours to get into the concert.
Please stand in line and wait for your turn.
People were standing in line for the new iPhone release.
The children stood in line to get their lunch at school.
I don't mind standing in line as long as it moves quickly.

Show examples from the web [+]

Can I really pay someone to stand in line? Yes, yes, you can. And you should. Take your life back –– without the lines. Yes, yes, you can. And you should ...
Jan 28, 2017 ... Is it against the law to stand in line for the bathroom on a plane? Are the rules different for international and domestic flights?
May 17, 2021 ... I'm at Islands with some family that want to ride those, and I'm wondering if I can stand in line with them but leave the line before getting on ...
Jan 28, 2020 ... We all stand in line. Share via: More. by Joanna Frank. Note from Anne Moss: I met Joanna in my suicide loss support group. Her husband had ...

Alternatives:

stand on line
queue up
wait in line
line up
get in line

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stand on line vs stand in line

"stand on line"

"stand in line"

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