a chain of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chain of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sequence of related events, things, or occurrences, which together form a system or process. For example: "The entrance exams were the first link in a chain of events leading to my acceptance at the university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A chain of participants.

The New York Times

A chain of transmission.

The New York Times

"There's a chain of events.

The New York Times

Starbucks has become a chain of brothels.

The Economist

"We could have a chain of contagion".

The New York Times

I come from a chain of people".

The New York Times

A chain of events transformed him.

The New Yorker

Humana recently bought a chain of clinics.

The Economist

"There's a chain of corruption".

The New Yorker

Actually, a chain of threats.

The Guardian - Tech

He owns a chain of funeral homes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chain of" to effectively describe events or items linked by cause and effect or sequential arrangement. It clarifies the interconnected nature of the elements you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "a chain of" when simpler words like "some" or "several" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chain of" primarily functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun to indicate a sequence or series of connected items or events. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a common phrase that signals interconnectedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Forbes

2%

Huffington Post

2%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a chain of" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to denote a series of connected items or events. As Ludwig AI points out, it often implies a causal or sequential relationship. It is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "a series of" or "a sequence of" exist, "a chain of" specifically highlights the interconnectedness of the elements. Therefore, use it when you want to emphasize how things are linked together.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of

Focuses on the sequential aspect with less emphasis on interconnectedness.

a string of

Implies a linear arrangement, often of similar items or events.

a succession of

Highlights the sequential order, emphasizing that one thing follows another.

a sequence of

Stresses a specific order or arrangement in a set of items.

a progression of

Suggests a forward movement or development through a series of stages.

an order of

Implies a structured arrangement, often according to a rule or system.

a concatenation of

Highlights the linking or joining together of multiple elements.

a train of

Suggests a connected series, often used in reference to thoughts or events.

a nexus of

Indicates a central point connecting multiple related items or events.

a network of

Emphasizes interconnectedness and relationships among multiple components.

FAQs

How can I use "a chain of" in a sentence?

Use "a chain of" to describe a series of connected or related events, items, or actions. For instance, "The investigation uncovered "a chain of events" that led to the company's downfall."

What are some alternatives to using "a chain of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a series of", "a succession of", or "a sequence of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "a chain of" when referring to unrelated items?

No, "a chain of" implies a connection or relationship between the items being described. If the items are unrelated, it's better to use a different phrase such as "a collection of" or "a variety of".

What is the difference between "a chain of events" and "a series of events"?

"A chain of events" emphasizes the causal links between the events, where one event leads to another. "A series of events", on the other hand, simply indicates a sequence without necessarily implying a direct cause-and-effect relationship.