a fourth gene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fourth gene" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an additional gene in a series or comparison, particularly in scientific or genetic contexts. Example: "In our study, we discovered a fourth gene that plays a crucial role in the organism's development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

A fourth gene, ApoE4, was different.

The New Yorker

Adding a fourth gene does not drastically affect the normalization factor.

Plosone

An additional duplication event generated Shh, Ihh, Dhh and a fourth gene quickly lost [13], [14] (summarised on Fig. 2, inset).

Plosone

However, as expected, if we consider all tissues together, the inclusion of a fourth gene has a large effect on the calculation of the normalization factor (HMBS, EEF2, EIF2B2, and SDHA).

Plosone

A fourth gene over-transcribed in dominant fish and implicated in protein degradation (Table 2) encodes a proteasome subunit critical for class I antigen presentation in mouse (proteasome subunit LMP7, [42]).

Plosone

We also noticed four-gene elements, comprising three recombinases close to each other and invariably accompanied by a fourth gene encoding a transcriptional regulator of the TetR family [59].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Some have proposed using a second gene drive to restore the original gene, should something go wrong.

The Guardian

A second gene, taken from an ocean pout, a distant relative of salmon, functions to keep the first gene constantly producing its hormone.

The New York Times

He said he had begun to zero in on a second gene that appears to be as important as the C.E.T.P. gene.

The New York Times

It turned out that a second gene that made the other two subunits in the protein had undergone its own mutation, suppressing or reversing the disease process.

The New York Times

There is a second gene, SMN2, that could make the same protein.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fourth gene", ensure the context clearly establishes the existence of at least three other genes to avoid confusion. Providing a brief background of the previously mentioned genes can improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid incorrectly labeling the gene as "a fourth gene" if only two or three genes have been previously discussed. Always double-check the sequence and number of genes referenced to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fourth gene" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific gene in a sequence or series of genes. Ludwig examples confirm its use in scientific and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

97%

News & Media

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fourth gene" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, particularly in scientific and technical fields, as indicated by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase to specify an additional gene within a defined context. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the presence of other genes to maintain clarity. While alternatives like "an additional gene" or "another gene" exist, using "a fourth gene" offers a higher level of precision in scientific writing. Therefore, its formal and scientific register makes it appropriate for academic papers, journals, and reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional gene

Focuses on the additive nature of the gene being discussed.

a further gene

Emphasizes the continuation of a series of genes.

another gene

A simpler way to indicate there's one more gene.

the fourth gene variant

Specifies that it is a variation of a gene.

a quaternary gene

Uses a more formal numerical adjective.

the next gene in the series

Highlights the sequential order of genes.

one more gene

Informal way to indicate an additional gene.

a novel gene

Emphasizes the newness or uniqueness of the gene.

a newly discovered gene

Highlights that the gene has just been found.

a subsequent gene

Indicates that the gene follows after others.

FAQs

How can I use "a fourth gene" in a sentence?

You can use "a fourth gene" when referring to an additional gene in a series or comparison. For example, "Researchers identified three genes initially, and later discovered "a fourth gene" that also contributes to the condition."

What are some alternatives to using "a fourth gene"?

Alternatives include "an additional gene", "a further gene", or "another gene". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify the number when referring to a gene?

No, it's not always necessary. If the exact number isn't important or relevant, you can simply refer to "an additional gene" or "another gene". However, specifying the number like ""a fourth gene"" adds precision.

What's the difference between "a fourth gene" and "the fourth gene"?

"A fourth gene" implies that it is one of potentially many genes that could be considered, while "the fourth gene" suggests that it is a specific, predetermined gene in a defined sequence or study.