TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: 'in queue' v. 'in the queue' From:slm5v <slm5v -at- CC -dot- USU -dot- EDU> Date:Tue, 13 Jul 1999 10:25:16 -0600
Morning!
I would consider using "queue" the same as using "line". The line of
callers waiting for callbacks would seem an abstract, a list on a
computer--you don't actually see the customers. Whereas if the customers were
lined up next to your desk, you would refer to "THE line" of customers, which
you can see.
Hope my two cents were helpful.
Graham Fredrickson
"Into each life some rain must fall--what I wouldn't give for an umbrella."
--me.
