Sequentially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sequentially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur in a specific order or sequence. Example: "The tasks must be completed sequentially to ensure the project stays on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although one may try to answer this question by appealing to other causes (say, z's causing x to cause y), the PSR also demands an account of what it is in virtue of which x and y are causally related, as opposed to being merely sequentially ordered (or an account of why mere sequential ordering is sufficient for causal relatedness).

SEP

Tape is cheap, but access time is far slower than that of a magnetic disk because it is sequential-access memory—i.e., data must be sequentially read and written as a tape is unwound, rather than retrieved directly from the desired point on the tape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arm had sequentially guided down its first quarter 2013 revenues, following strength in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The Guardian - Business

Of these (counting the second tier position sequentially below the top tier) the highest aggregate of 44 was the 1975 final between West Ham United (13th) and Fulham (ninth in tier two).

The Guardian - Sport

The term "pure public goods" refers to commodities that have two particular characteristics: their benefits can be enjoyed undiminished by many users concurrently as well as sequentially, and it is costly for the provider to exclude unauthorised (free-riding) consumers.

The Economist

One option is to use sequentially triggered vertebrae made of electroactive polymers, whose shape is modified by applying a voltage.All this makes the robotic tuna's new incarnation ever more reminiscent of the real thing.

The Economist

In exchange, they are given newly minted bitcoin.Chaining blocks together sequentially prevents anyone spending the same bitcoin twice, a bane of previous digital currencies.

The Economist

However, multiple targets have to be tested sequentially, either individually or in small batches that are tiled together.

The Economist

Production cycles grow shorter; consumers expect service around the clock; companies do things in parallel that they would once have done sequentially.

The Economist

Instead he proposes to act "sequentially", starting by securing the mixed Sunni-Shia neighbourhoods of Baghdad to show even-handedness, and then moving to the towns surrounding the capital before attempting to take on the most important Sunni and Shia strongholds.

The Economist

Normally on a project of this type work is carried out sequentially: first the studies are completed, then all the land is acquired, then suppliers commissioned and so on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "sequentially" to emphasize that the order of steps is important for the outcome. For instance, "The instructions must be followed sequentially to ensure correct assembly."

Common error

Avoid using "sequentially" when you mean "subsequently". "Sequentially" implies a specific order or arrangement, while "subsequently" simply means 'later' without necessarily indicating a pre-defined sequence.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "sequentially" primarily functions to modify verbs or clauses, indicating that actions or events occur in a specific order or sequence. As shown in Ludwig, it clarifies the manner in which something is done, emphasizing the importance of order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

28%

News & Media

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sequentially" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverb that describes actions or events occurring in a specific order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and usable in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal academic and scientific writing to news media and encyclopedias. Common alternatives include "in sequence", "one after another", and "consecutively". When using "sequentially", ensure you're emphasizing the importance of order, and avoid confusing it with "subsequently", which simply means 'later' without implying a specific sequence. Mastering the use of "sequentially" will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In sequence

This alternative directly replaces "sequentially" with a prepositional phrase emphasizing the order.

Consecutively

This word emphasizes the unbroken sequence of events.

One after another

This phrase highlights the consecutive nature of the actions or events.

In succession

This alternative implies a series of events following each other closely.

In order

This emphasizes the arrangement or sequence of elements.

Step by step

This phrase underscores the gradual and ordered progression of a process.

Following a sequence

This alternative makes it clear that some actions are done following a precise order.

Serially

A more technical term for describing operations or processes performed one at a time.

Progressively

This indicates advancement through a series of steps or stages.

Running in order

This suggests a smooth continuation following a precise and established order.

FAQs

How to use "sequentially" in a sentence?

Use "sequentially" to describe actions or events that occur in a specific, ordered sequence. For example, "The data was processed "in order" to extract meaningful insights".

What can I say instead of "sequentially"?

You can use alternatives like "in sequence", "one after another", or "consecutively" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sequentially" or "subsequently"?

"Sequentially" implies a specific order, while "subsequently" simply means 'later'. Choose "sequentially" when order matters; otherwise, use "subsequently".

What's the difference between "sequentially" and "simultaneously"?

"Sequentially" means actions happen in a specific order, one after the other. "Simultaneously" means actions happen at the same time. They are antonyms.