Succession of missteps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Succession of missteps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of errors or mistakes that occur one after another. Example: "The project faced a succession of missteps that ultimately led to its failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The deputy opposition leader, Tanya Plibersek, said the prime minister had made a succession of missteps during his travels overseas, the latest in the US.

The Guardian

Deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek said the prime minister had made a succession of missteps during his travels overseas, the latest in the US.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, as polished as the band's wordplay and arrangements were, the group was undone by a succession of missteps (several label changes) and misadventures (an unproductive move to England).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then came a succession of oversights, missteps and missed opportunities.

The Washington Post

The report, a collection of articles due to be published next month in a special issue of the journal American Psychologist, relates a succession of humbling missteps after the attacks.

The New York Times - Health

But there have been a succession of headline-grabbing missteps.

The New York Times

They probably should, a strong succession plan can mean the difference between continued success and possibly years of missteps and uncertainty.

Forbes

Slower RTs, reduced gait speed, and increased number of missteps (>92% of all missteps) were observed during beam-walking.

Gait & Posture

Usually it's a series of missteps.

The Washington Post

Self-report of missteps in older adults: a valid proxy of fall risk?

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

A cascade of missteps nearly killed him.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "succession of missteps" when you want to emphasize that a series of errors has occurred, especially when these errors have a cumulative negative impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "succession of missteps" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "series of mistakes" or "string of errors" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "succession of missteps" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence of errors or mistakes. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used to analyze events or actions that involve a series of failures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "succession of missteps" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a series of errors or mistakes, as validated by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare in overall usage, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific writing. It carries a neutral tone and is used to critically analyze situations marked by a pattern of sequential failures. When writing, consider whether the more formal tone is appropriate for your audience, or if simpler alternatives like "series of errors" or "chain of mistakes" would be more suitable. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to emphasize the cumulative impact of repeated errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of errors

Focuses on the mistakes themselves, without necessarily implying a cause-and-effect relationship or a negative outcome.

chain of mistakes

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of the errors, suggesting that one mistake leads to another.

string of blunders

Highlights the clumsiness or lack of skill involved in the errors.

sequence of failures

Focuses on the unsuccessful outcomes resulting from the errors.

parade of errors

Emphasizes the conspicuous and often public nature of the errors.

litany of errors

Implies a long and tedious list of mistakes.

cascade of failures

Suggests that the failures occur rapidly and intensify over time.

cluster of errors

Indicates a group of related mistakes occurring in close proximity.

accumulation of errors

Emphasizes the gradual build-up of mistakes over time.

series of slip-ups

Highlights minor or unintentional errors in a sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "succession of missteps" in a sentence?

You can use "succession of missteps" to describe a series of errors or mistakes that occur one after another, often leading to a negative outcome. For example, "The project faced a "succession of missteps" that ultimately led to its failure."

What are some alternatives to "succession of missteps"?

Alternatives include "series of errors", "chain of mistakes", or "string of blunders" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "succession of missteps" formal or informal?

"Succession of missteps" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "series of mistakes" or "string of errors" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "succession of missteps" and "series of mistakes"?

While similar, "succession of missteps" often implies that the errors have a cumulative negative impact or are interconnected, while "series of mistakes" is a more general term for a sequence of errors.