# line up

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/line-up
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to form a row

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to stand in a row, usually while waiting for something.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to arrange things in a row

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to put things in a straight row or in the correct position.

For teachers: 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'

### 3. to organize or prepare

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to organize or get things ready for an event.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to agree with

phrasal verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to agree with or support a specific idea or group.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The customers lined up to buy the new shoes.
- The soldiers lined up for inspection before the battle.
- The protesters lined up along the street, holding signs and chanting slogans, demanding an immediate response from the government.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.