line up
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to stand in a row, usually while waiting for something.
to form or join a queue or row, typically in an intransitive sense.
Simple“Hundreds of fans started to line up outside the stadium hours before the concert began.”
In context“Commuters began to line up at the platform edge well before the express train was scheduled to arrive.”
Usageoften used with 'for' to indicate the purpose of waiting
Teacher's tipIn British English, 'queue up' is a very common synonym for this sense.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to put things in a straight row or in the correct position.
to arrange objects in a linear sequence or to bring them into precise alignment.
Simple“The child lined up all his toy cars from smallest to largest.”
In context“The technician carefully lined the components up to ensure the laser would pass through the center of each lens.”
Usagetransitive; the object can go between 'line' and 'up'
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to organize or get things ready for an event.
to arrange, secure, or schedule a series of events, people, or opportunities.
Simple“She has several job interviews lined up for next week.”
In context“The conference organizers have lined up an impressive array of keynote speakers from the tech industry.”
Usagetransitive; often used for jobs, interviews, or speakers
Teacher's tipThis sense is very common in business contexts when talking about future plans.
- 04 C1 Advanced
to agree with or support a specific idea or group.
to align oneself with a particular ideology, policy, or faction.
Simple“The local businesses lined up behind the new plan to improve the city center.”
In context“Several minor parties have lined up with the opposition to challenge the proposed environmental legislation.”
Usageusually followed by 'with' or 'behind'
Teacher's tipOften used in political contexts to describe joining a movement.
contrast with 'queue up' (more formal, suggests a deliberate waiting process); 'line up' is more general and often implies a less organized situation.
- queue up
- stand in a row
- form a line
- Particles
- up
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- line + up + object