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wait in line vs wait on line

Both 'wait in line' and 'wait on line' are correct, but their usage depends on regional differences. 'Wait in line' is more commonly used in American English, while 'wait on line' is more common in New York City and surrounding areas. The choice between the two phrases should be based on the regional dialect of English being spoken.

Last updated: March 06, 2024 • 3216 views

wait in line

This phrase is correct and commonly used in American English.

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

Examples:

  • I had to wait in line for over an hour to get tickets to the concert.
  • Please wait in line for your turn to speak with the manager.
  • The children patiently waited in line for their turn on the swing.
  • We will need to wait in line to enter the museum.
  • She doesn't like to wait in line at the grocery store.
  • "Wait In Line". I can't shake this feeling. At the end o' each day. That I keep on working hard. But all I do is get payed. Though I keep believing. There's a light up  ...
  • I believe New Yorkers say "wait on line" instead of "wait in line." I have no idea why. [:^)]. Veteran Member6,953. Moderator: A super-user who takes care of the ...
  • jump the queue. to move in front of people who have been waiting for longer than you have. The American expression is jump in line. wait in line. to queue ...
  • Wait in Line. Hire a Tasker to stand in line for restaurants, special events, the DMV, and more. Find help now · Home Featured Tasks Wait in Line ...

Alternatives:

  • stand in line
  • queue up
  • line up
  • wait your turn
  • get in line

wait on line

This phrase is correct and commonly used in New York City and surrounding areas.

This phrase is commonly used in New York City and surrounding areas to mean waiting in a queue or line of people.

Examples:

  • I had to wait on line for the new iPhone release.
  • She asked me to wait on line while she went to get some coffee.
  • We will need to wait on line to enter the popular restaurant.
  • The tourists were waiting on line to buy tickets for the ferry.
  • He doesn't mind waiting on line for the latest fashion trends.
  • Jun 6, 2013 ... Few besides New Yorkers stand or wait on line. In most of the English-speaking world, people stand in line. Use that wording. But is the ...
  • May 22, 2007 ... Here's what the Times stylebook has to say on the subject: “Few besides New Yorkers stand or wait on line. In most of the English-speaking ...
  • I don't hear wait on line (on-line has become a computer term). Senior Member ... I believe New Yorkers say "wait on line" instead of "wait in line." I have no idea ...
  • Apr 9, 2015 ... IRS runs out of forms as furious taxpayers wait on line for hours. People wait in line to enter the Internal Revenue Service office at the Ted ...

Alternatives:

  • stand on line
  • queue up
  • line up
  • wait your turn
  • get in line

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