A series of

USAGE SUMMARY

"A series of" is a perfectly valid and perfectly usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sequence of events or items, like in the following example sentence: "A series of events in the past few weeks has caused significant disruption in the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A series of blows?

The New York Times

A series of pauses?

The New Yorker

A series of misidentifications ensue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A series of steps takes place quickly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A series of transatlantic telephone calls followed.

The New Yorker

A series of impressive Shakespearean performances followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A series of court cases ensued.

The New Yorker

A series of mutually advantageous meetings followed.

The New Yorker

A series of command-and-control regulations.

The New York Times

A series of workshops has been convened.

BBC

A series of interventions resulted.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A series of", ensure that the items or events you are referring to are logically connected or related to each other for clarity.

Common error

Remember that "series" is a collective noun, so while "A series of" implies multiple items, the subject is singular. Therefore, use a singular verb: "A series of events has occurred", not "have occurred".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A series of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, indicating that multiple items or events are being referred to. Ludwig showcases this through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A series of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a sequence or succession of related items or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral formality level. To use it effectively, ensure the items are logically connected and remember to use a singular verb. While alternatives like "a succession of" or "a sequence of" exist, "A series of" remains a clear and effective choice for many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A succession of

Emphasizes the sequential order and the following of one thing after another.

A sequence of

Highlights the ordered arrangement of items or events.

A chain of

Suggests a linked or connected set of occurrences.

A string of

Implies a connected sequence, often of similar items.

A round of

Suggests a set of actions or events, often cyclical or recurring.

An array of

Highlights a diverse collection presented in an organized manner.

A number of

Simply indicates multiple items or events, without emphasizing sequence.

Several

A general term for more than two, without specifying exact quantity or sequence.

Multiple

Indicates more than one, often used for events or items considered collectively.

Various

Emphasizes the diversity of items or events, rather than their sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "A series of" in a sentence?

Use "A series of" to introduce multiple related items or events. For example, "A series of unfortunate events led to the company's bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "A series of"?

Alternatives include "a succession of", "a sequence of", or "a number of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "A series of events are" instead of "A series of events is"?

No, the correct phrasing is "A series of events is". Although "events" is plural, "series" is the subject and is singular, requiring a singular verb.

What's the difference between "A series of" and "Several"?

"A series of" implies a connected sequence or set of related items or events, while "several" simply indicates more than two items or events without necessarily implying a connection or sequence.