a long string of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a long string of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a series of things, typically of similar nature. For example, "The students faced a long string of challenging exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A long string of increasingly flirtatious e-mail followed.

The New York Times

Widnall's CV includes a long string of firsts.

MIT Technology Review

The answer is a long string of acrobatic Somali.

The Guardian

I've had a long string of public life".

The New York Times

"You're dealing with a long string of numbers.

The Guardian

Search engines register a long string of tags as overkill and lower that post's rank.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Global Economy Prize is just the latest in a long string of accolades for Williamson.

University of California, Berkeley

A long string of confetti is mistaken for spaghetti and gets eaten.

The New Yorker

After a long string of defeats for the Clinton forces, this was her moment of triumph.

The New Yorker

In a long string of associations he referred to Bach and "St.

The New York Times - Arts

Windows Phone 8, however, will have to overcome a long string of disappointments for Microsoft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long string of" to clearly indicate a series of related items, events, or occurrences, especially when emphasizing the length or continuity of the sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "a long string of" when a simpler enumeration or list would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The presentation covered a long string of topics including A, B, and C", consider "The presentation covered topics A, B, and C".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long string of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a series or sequence of something. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long string of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a series or sequence of related items, events, or occurrences. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in news and academic contexts. While highly frequent, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure it adds value to your writing by emphasizing the length or continuity of the sequence. Consider related phrases like "a lengthy series of" or "a succession of" for variety. Always aim for clarity and precision in your writing by using this phrase judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy series of

This alternative emphasizes the duration or extent of the series, similar to "a long string of".

a succession of

This alternative focuses on the sequential nature of the items or events, highlighting that they follow one after another.

a chain of

This alternative evokes a sense of connection or linkage between the items or events, suggesting they are related or interdependent.

a sequence of

This alternative highlights the ordered arrangement of the items or events, emphasizing their specific placement within the series.

a catalog of

This alternative suggests a listing or enumeration of items, implying a comprehensive or detailed presentation.

a litany of

This alternative implies a repetitive or monotonous series, often with negative connotations.

a run of

This alternative is suitable when describing a series of events or occurrences, often with a sense of continuity or momentum.

a streak of

This alternative is used to describe a continuous period of success or failure, emphasizing the consistency of the outcome.

a barrage of

This alternative suggests an overwhelming or intense series of items or events, often with a negative or forceful impact.

an accumulation of

This alternative focuses on the gradual gathering or increase of items or events over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a long string of" in a sentence?

You can use "a long string of" to describe a sequence of related items, events, or occurrences. For example, "The company faced "a long string of challenges" this year".

What phrases are similar to "a long string of"?

Similar phrases include "a lengthy series of", "a succession of", or "a chain of", all of which convey the idea of a sequence or series.

Is there a difference between "a long string of" and "a series of"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence, "a long string of" often emphasizes the length or continuity of the sequence more than a simple "a series of" does.

When is it appropriate to use "a long string of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a long string of" when you want to emphasize that there are many items or events in a sequence, and that they are connected in some way. Avoid using it when a shorter, simpler phrase would suffice.