Phrasal verb
line up
Definitions
01to form a row
B1 · Intermediate
phr.v. to stand in a row, usually while waiting for something.
phr.v. to form or join a queue or row, typically in an intransitive sense.
“Hundreds of fans started to line up outside the stadium hours before the concert began.”
“Commuters began to line up at the platform edge well before the express train was scheduled to arrive.”
Usage
often used with 'for' to indicate the purpose of waiting
Teaching tip
In British English, 'queue up' is a very common synonym for this sense.
02to arrange things in a row
B1 · Intermediate
phr.v. to put things in a straight row or in the correct position.
phr.v. to arrange objects in a linear sequence or to bring them into precise alignment.
“The child lined up all his toy cars from smallest to largest.”
“The technician carefully lined the components up to ensure the laser would pass through the center of each lens.”
Usage
transitive; the object can go between 'line' and 'up'
Antonyms
03to organize or prepare
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
phr.v. to organize or get things ready for an event.
phr.v. to arrange, secure, or schedule a series of events, people, or opportunities.
“She has several job interviews lined up for next week.”
“The conference organizers have lined up an impressive array of keynote speakers from the tech industry.”
Usage
transitive; often used for jobs, interviews, or speakers
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in business contexts when talking about future plans.
04to agree with
C1 · Advanced Formal
phr.v. to agree with or support a specific idea or group.
phr.v. to align oneself with a particular ideology, policy, or faction.
“The local businesses lined up behind the new plan to improve the city center.”
“Several minor parties have lined up with the opposition to challenge the proposed environmental legislation.”
Usage
usually followed by 'with' or 'behind'
Teaching tip
Often used in political contexts to describe joining a movement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “line up” in context.
Verb
01. line up at the door
“Customers started to line up at the door before the shop opened.”
verb + prep + noun
02. line up in a row
“The soldiers lined up in a row for the morning inspection.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
03. line up to enter
“The students had to line up to enter the museum.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
04. neatly line up
“The children neatly lined up in the hallway before going to lunch.”
adv + verb
05. patiently line up for tickets
“Fans patiently lined up for tickets outside the stadium for three hours.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
06. quickly line up
“When the fire alarm rang, everyone quickly lined up at the exit.”
adv + verb
Teaching tip
contrast with 'queue up' (more formal, suggests a deliberate waiting process); 'line up' is more general and often implies a less organized situation.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
line + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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