I agree. I never hear "stood at line". Always either "in line" or "on line". In America, at least, "on line" sounds especially strange because of the Internet making the phrase "on line" relate most often to computers. It makes me wonder what a native Brit would say about that. I'll ask... hang on.Originally Posted by doninphxaz
OK, I couldn't get ahold of my English friend, but I found this: "On line" is apparently a regionalism; The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage declares: "Few besides New Yorkers speak of standing on line. Follow the usage of the rest of the English-speaking world: in line." The "on" version may be spreading, but "in" is still the unassailable choice.