Phrasal verb
line up
Meanings
to stand or wait in an orderly row
to arrange things neatly in a straight line or in the correct positions
to arrange or schedule something so it is ready (for example, work, events, or people)
Definition
To line up means to form an orderly row or position things in a straight line, often while waiting or preparing.
When people line up, they stand in a row, usually to wait their turn. When you line things up, you arrange them neatly in a straight line or in the correct order. It can also mean to organize or arrange something so it is ready, such as a schedule or a plan. The meaning is often clear from the context: people line up, and tasks or items get lined up.
Examples
- I had to line up for coffee before the meeting.
- You should line up the chairs so everyone can see the stage.
- He lined up a few interviews for next week.
- She got to the venue early and lined up at the entrance.
- They lined up the photos on the table to compare them.
Common mistake
Learners often forget that the object can go between the verb and particle (e.g., "line the chairs up"), not only after it ("line up the chairs").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.