Queue of people outside a store
Queue of people outside a store

Queue and Row: the differences

Martha Ryan

Understanding the Difference Between "Queue" and "Row" in British English

The English nouns "queue" and "row" may seem similar at first glance, but they have distinct meanings and uses. This article will clarify these differences, providing examples to help you understand how to use each term correctly in British English.

What is a Queue?

A queue (noun) refers to a line of people waiting for something, where the individual at the front of the queue is served next. In American English, this is commonly referred to as a "line."

  • Key Features of a Queue:
    • The person at the front of the queue is next to be served.
    • The end of the queue is referred to as the back, not the tail.

Examples of "Queue":

  1. "I joined the queue at the Post Office 15 minutes ago, and I still haven't been served."
  2. "Do you want to join the queue for this ride, or would you prefer to come back later?"
  3. "The queue at the tower was 45 minutes long, but the view from the top was amazing."
  4. "Excuse me, there is a queue; please don't push in—join at the back."
A queue of shoppers in a grocery store
A queue of shoppers in a grocery store @john_cameron

What is a Row?

A row (noun) describes a line of objects or people placed next to each other. Unlike a queue, which implies a sequential processing of individuals, a row represents a static arrangement.

  • Key Features of a Row:
    • Objects in a row are positioned side-by-side.
    • A row does not have an implicit direction; it has two ends rather than a head and a back.
    • A minimum of three objects is required to form a row; two objects together are referred to as a pair or couple.

Examples of "Row":

  1. "Please arrange the chairs in a row along the back wall."
  2. "Hi everyone, please form a row over here, and Megan and I will choose the teams."
  3. "This row of houses dates from the 18th century."
  4. "He carefully planted the seeds in a row in the ground."
A row of houses
A row of houses
A line of helicopters on a runway
A line of helicopters @jannerboy62

Summary

In summary, while both "queue" and "row" describe lines, they serve different purposes in English:

  • A queue is dynamic, involving waiting for service one by one.
  • A row is static, representing objects or people placed side by side.

Understanding these distinctions will enhance your English vocabulary and improve your communication skills. Happy learning! Please email me with any questions [email protected]

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