The words ‘cue’ and ‘queue’ sound the same, but these are very different terms! To find out how to use them correctly in your writing, check out our guide below.
As a noun, ‘cue’ typically refers to a signal or prompt to take action. Traditionally, this came from the world of acting, where a ‘cue’ is a signal for a performer:
The actor missed the cue for his big speech.
More generally, though, ‘cue’ can refer to any signal or prompt for action:
The arrival of the bridal couple was our cue to open the champagne.
When he started clearing up the empty bottles, I knew it was a cue to go home.
We can also use this word as a verb to mean ‘give someone a signal’:
I’ll cue you when I want you to start speaking.
Alternatively, ‘cue’ can be used in relation to games like snooker, pool, and billiards. In these cases, a ‘cue’ is the rod used to strike the white ‘cue’ ball.
As a noun, ‘queue’ refers to a line of waiting people or vehicles:
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
A queue of people waited to board the bus.
The queue of cars stretched back for miles.
As a verb, meanwhile, it refers to the act of waiting in line:
We will queue for hours to buy tickets for the concert.
They queued up outside, waiting for the shop to open.
When you use ‘queue’ as a present participle (i.e. an -ing verb), the most common spelling is ‘queuing’. However, some people and publications prefer ‘queueing’, and both forms are acceptable as long as you are consistent.
Finally, keep in mind that ‘queue’ is rare in American English! If you’re writing for a US audience, then, you might want to say ‘line’ (noun) and ‘wait in line’ (verb).
These words sound the same, but they differ completely in usage:
Note that ‘queue’ has a lot of vowels, almost like they’re waiting in line after the ‘q’! Keep this in mind if you struggle to tell these words apart. And if you’d like any more help with your writing, don’t forget our proofreading experts are always available.
Δ
5-minute read
Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...
6-minute read
If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...
9-minute read
Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...
8-minute read
Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...
7-minute read
Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...
Effective professional communication is an important skill for contractors and freelancers navigating remote work environments....