In English, some words sound the same but have different meanings and uses. Two such words are “cue” and “queue.” Despite their identical pronunciation, they refer to different concepts—one is a signal, and the other is a line or sequence. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their correct usage.
Cue
Definition:
The word “cue” refers to a signal or prompt to begin something. It is often used in the context of performances or instructions.
Examples of use:
The actors are getting their cues from the orchestra conductor.
When the light turns green, it’s your cue to start driving.
She took his silence as a cue to leave the room.
Queue
Definition:
The word “queue” refers to a line or sequence of people or things waiting for their turn. It is commonly used to describe a waiting line.
Examples of use:
Is that your document or someone else’s in the print queue?
We had to wait in a long queue to buy tickets for the concert.
The new software update was placed in the download queue.
While “cue” and “queue” are homophones, they have distinct meanings. “Cue” refers to a signal to begin an action, whereas “queue” refers to a line or sequence of people or things waiting their turn. Understanding these differences helps ensure precise and effective communication in various contexts.
