Wait "on / in" a line

Question

Hi teachers,From The Guardian by David HospIs "wait on a line" correct in American English? Do British English speakers consider the phrase wrong and do they think it should be "wait in a line"?

Philip · Accepted Answer

I believe the British (and Canadians?) use 'stand in queue'.  Americans stand 'in line'.  I've heard 'on line' before, but I can't generalize about its location.

Vorpar · Answer

Americans use "in line", generally "waiting on..." means the same as "waiting for". So, in AmE, someone waiting on a line, would be away from the line, and would join it when it thins out.

Blue Jay · Answer

I think it sounds odd, although COCA lists a handful of examples of the usage. I sought a second opinion from someone who arrived here in the US two days ago from Britain, and she said that in a line sounds fine to her, but on a line does not.

Clive · Answer

If you want to use the word 'queue', it's
eg They are standing in a queue.
eg They are queuing up.

Clive

Fivejedjon · Answer

BarbaraPA:
In one of the most localized linguistic oddities I've come across, New Yorkers wait "on" line. I've never heard it elsewhere.

Odessa Dawn · Answer

CliveThey are queuing up.

Can I change the imperative sentence here into imperative one?

E.X. Queue up!

Blue Jay · Answer

Yes.

Odessa Dawn · Answer

Odessa Dawn Can I change the imperative sentence here into imperative one?

E.X. Queue up!

Sorry, it should have written - Can I change the affirmative sentence here into imperative one?

CalifJim · Answer

fivejedjonNew Yorkers wait "on" line. I've never heard it elsewhere.

I was about to say the same thing.

CJ

HUBLOT · Answer

Thank you, everyone!

Is "a" in "wait in a line" unnecessary?

Wait "on / in" a line

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