a chain of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chain of errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of mistakes or faults that are interconnected or lead to further issues. Example: "The project failed due to a chain of errors that went unnoticed during the initial review process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

By then, communications between the two militaries had sorted out a chain of errors and the shooting had stopped.

The New York Times

A "chain of errors" is the unsatisfying conclusion so far, with blame pinned on weak processes, "misconduct and shortcomings", and some overly-tolerant "mindsets".

The Guardian

The emissions scandal "proves not to have been a one-time error, but rather a chain of errors that were allowed to happen", continues the report.

The Guardian - Business

Through a chain of errors, the Strategic Command and Control system automatically dispatches a squadron of nuclear-armed bombers to destroy Moscow.

The New York Times

Investigators from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which brought the prosecution, found that a chain of errors led staff to override a safety warning when an empty test carriage got stuck on the track in strong winds.

The Guardian - Business

By demonstrating that history is unpredictable, diaries such as his show that it is not inevitable: Ukraine's rapid degeneration from protest to bloodshed was the result of a chain of errors, which Mr Kurkov's entries chronicle.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A chain of error was about to come to an end.

The New York Times

Officer Edwards, 25, shot by a fellow officer in what to all appearances was a chain of error and misperception, had a wife, two small sons, two parents and a large network of friends.

The New York Times

His mistake was one link in a chain of human errors and equipment and procedural failures that led to the devastating attack on a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan last year that killed 42 people, the Defense Department said Friday, in its first extensive account of what happened in the city of Kunduz, early on the morning of Oct. 3.

The New York Times

He's capable of extended runs of extreme brilliance, then he puts together a chain of elementary errors.

The Guardian - Sport

According to Couffer, Fieser's insistence on an aggrandizing photo shoot initiated a chain of timing errors that led to the napalm-loaded bats bursting into flame as they flew into the airfield's control tower and barracks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a chain of errors", ensure the context clearly defines what caused the series of mistakes and the resulting consequences for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a chain of errors" without providing specific examples or context. Detailing the nature of the errors will make your analysis more convincing and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chain of errors" functions as a noun phrase that describes a sequence of interconnected mistakes or faults. It often acts as a subject or object in a sentence, highlighting the cause of a problem or failure. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a chain of errors" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe a sequence of interconnected mistakes leading to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "a series of errors" or "a sequence of mistakes" can be used depending on the nuance desired. When employing the phrase, ensure to provide specific examples or context to avoid overgeneralization and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of errors

Focuses on the sequential nature of the mistakes, similar to the original phrase.

a sequence of mistakes

Emphasizes the order of the errors, suggesting a logical progression.

a string of blunders

Implies a higher degree of carelessness or incompetence in the mistakes.

a cascade of failures

Suggests that one failure leads quickly to others, creating a larger problem.

a succession of faults

Highlights that the faults occurred one after another, possibly due to underlying systemic issues.

a concatenation of mistakes

A more formal term suggesting that mistakes are linked or joined together.

a comedy of errors

Suggests the situation is absurd or amusing due to the series of errors.

a perfect storm of errors

Implies multiple errors combined to create a catastrophic situation.

a web of mistakes

Portrays errors as interconnected and difficult to untangle.

a disastrous series of events

Highlights the negative outcome resulting from the series of errors.

FAQs

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

You can use "a chain of errors" to describe a series of interconnected mistakes leading to a negative outcome. For example, "The project's failure was due to "a chain of errors" in the planning phase".

What's a good alternative to "a chain of errors"?

Alternatives include "a series of errors", "a sequence of mistakes", or "a string of blunders", each with slight differences in connotation.

Is it correct to say "chain of errors" or "series of error"?

While "series of error" might seem grammatically plausible, the more common and accepted phrase is "a chain of errors". "Chain" emphasizes the interconnected nature of the mistakes.

What does "a chain of errors" typically lead to?

"A chain of errors" usually results in project failures, accidents, or other negative consequences. It emphasizes that multiple, linked mistakes contributed to the outcome.