[Vocabulary] in file

[orangenara]

Hi~ Teacher

Let me know the expression 'in file'

<They stood in file.>

From the above sentence how do you know how many lines there are?
Can I wtire <They stood in three files.> ?

Also can I write <They stood in a file> insteand of <They stood in single file>

How about <They stood in files.>?

Teacher, you can say yes or no to my questions.

Thank you

 

[Tdol]

Also can I write <They stood in a file> insteand of <They stood in single file>

I wouldn't use a file.

They stood in file.

I would assume that there was one queue.

 

[Barb_D]

Do you use "file" in a conversational situation in the UK?

It has a definite military feeling for me.

They stood in three lines. They stood in line.

 

[Vivianlj]

I think "in file" means successively.

 

[Tdol]

I wouldn't use it in ordinary conversation- I'd use queue or line. The exception would be in single file, though it's not something I'd need to use much.