a chain reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chain reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of events where one event causes another, often in a cascading manner. Example: "The initial failure of the machine led to a chain reaction that caused the entire production line to halt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That started a chain reaction.

The New York Times

That began a chain reaction.

The New York Times

That causes a chain reaction.

The Economist

It's like a chain reaction".

The New York Times

A chain reaction of learning.

The Guardian

Definition of a chain reaction 291 1291.

Stanford University

"It's a chain reaction," Mr. Sloss said.

The New York Times

A chain reaction was under way.

The New York Times

This set off a chain reaction.

The New York Times

The outbreak spreads like a chain reaction.

The New York Times - Health

"It's a chain reaction," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a chain reaction", ensure the connection between the initial event and subsequent events is clear to the reader. This strengthens the cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a chain reaction" to describe minor or insignificant events. Overusing the phrase in trivial contexts can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chain reaction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., 'trigger', 'cause', 'set off') or as a subject complement, describing a sequence of events where one action directly or indirectly leads to others. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

18%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chain reaction" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a sequence of events where one action triggers subsequent actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news reports to academic papers. When employing "a chain reaction", it's crucial to establish clear connections between the initial and subsequent events, ensuring the phrase's impact is both accurate and credible. Alternatives like "a cascading effect" or "a domino effect" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, while avoiding overuse in trivial situations is important for maintaining its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cascading effect

Emphasizes the successive and cumulative nature of the effect.

a domino effect

Suggests a series of events where one triggers the next, like falling dominoes.

a ripple effect

Implies an expanding series of consequences from an initial action.

a knock-on effect

Highlights the indirect consequences of an action.

a series of events

Describes a sequence where one event leads to another.

a sequence of consequences

Focuses on the results of an initial action, unfolding in a specific order.

a train of events

Suggests an unstoppable progression of occurrences.

a causal sequence

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between events.

a snowball effect

Implies a rapidly accelerating growth or intensification of an effect.

a spiral of events

Suggests a situation that is continuously worsening or intensifying.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a chain reaction" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a chain reaction", clearly establish the initial event and illustrate how it directly leads to subsequent events. For example, "The company's failure to innovate triggered "a chain reaction" of declining sales and market share."

What phrases can I use instead of "a chain reaction"?

Alternatives to "a chain reaction" include "a cascading effect", "a domino effect", or "a ripple effect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a chain reaction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a chain reaction" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic papers and business reports. It is a well-understood and widely accepted phrase for describing sequences of events.

What is the difference between "a chain reaction" and "a domino effect"?

While both phrases describe sequences of events, "a domino effect" specifically implies that each event directly triggers the next, like falling dominoes. "A chain reaction" is a broader term that can encompass more complex or indirect relationships between events, like "a ripple effect".