EverydayIntermediate
What to say when someone cuts in line
What to say when someone cuts in line and you want to point it out politely.
Full script
Lin
Excuse me, I think the line starts back there.
Them
Oh, really? I didn't see a line.
Lin
Yeah, we've all been waiting for a while.
Them
Sorry about that. I honestly didn't notice.
Lin
No worries. It's easy to miss.
Them
I'll go to the back. My bad!
Lin
Thanks for understanding!
Them
Enjoy your coffee!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Polite
✓ I think the line starts back there.A polite way to say it.
Don't say 'You cut in line'; line US / queue UK
we
✓ We've all been waiting for a while.Speak for everyone.
Use we, not I.
Tactful
✓ No worries. It's easy to miss.Give an easy out.
easy to miss = easy not to see
Calm
✓ Thanks for understanding!To end well.
Say this if they move back.
Quick answers
Polite: what to say in English
Say “I think the line starts back there.” — a polite way to say it. Don't say 'You cut in line'; line US / queue UK.
we: what to say in English
Say “We've all been waiting for a while.” — speak for everyone. Use we, not I.
Tactful: what to say in English
Say “No worries. It's easy to miss.” — give an easy out. easy to miss = easy not to see.
Calm: what to say in English
Say “Thanks for understanding!” — to end well. Say this if they move back.