a predictable sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a predictable sequence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a series of events or actions that follow a consistent and expected pattern. Example: "In the experiment, we observed a predictable sequence of reactions that confirmed our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The rest of the sonic field is taken up by samples, which hiccup and crunch and hint at rhythms, and usually simply stop before establishing a predictable sequence.

The New Yorker

For a child, parties follow a predictable sequence of events: They are invited, attend, consume too much junk food, possibly vomit, return home, collapse.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, he noticed that they had unique shapes, occurred in a predictable sequence across their trends, and could be correlated across the fracture zones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The research might even lead to the development of antiviral drugs that work by interfering with the genes responsible for producing virulence in pandemic viruses.Another intriguing possibility raised by Dr Taubenberger's team is that avian viruses may adapt to humans in a predictable sequence.

The Economist

As the hand opens and closes to grasp an object, neurons in area F5 fire in a predictable sequence.

Science Magazine

Ossification centres of the first and second cervical vertebrae follow a predictable sequence and timing of appearance and fusion [9, 10] (Figs. 1c,d and 2).

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The conversion of structural information to its InChI is based on a set of IUPAC structure conventions and the InChI project's rules for normalization and canonicalization (conversion to a single, predictable sequence) of a structure representation.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Primary succession is this process by which complex life colonizes lifeless rock in a rather predictable sequence.

The New York Times

This situation imposes a partially predictable sequence of change in the species composition of communities during succession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sexual development in boys usually follows a more predictable sequence, although there is great variation in the time of onset of puberty and the time of achievement of full sexual maturation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consequently, each scrambled sequence included the same images as a corresponding predictable sequence.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a predictable sequence" to describe processes or events that consistently follow a defined order or pattern, aiding clarity and understanding. For example, "The experiment demonstrated a predictable sequence of chemical reactions."

Common error

Avoid using "a predictable sequence" in situations where the predictability is already obvious or doesn't add significant value. Instead, reserve it for contexts where highlighting the sequence is crucial to the understanding or analysis. For instance, instead of saying "The sun rises and sets in a predictable sequence", which is universally known, consider using it to describe a more complex or nuanced process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predictable sequence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a series of events or steps that occur in an expected order.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a predictable sequence" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe events or processes that unfold in an expected order. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly in science, news, and encyclopedia articles. Its purpose is to highlight the non-random nature of a series of events, making it a valuable tool for analytical and descriptive writing. While generally neutral to formal, it is advisable to avoid overuse in simplistic scenarios and to reserve it for instances where emphasizing predictability adds substantial value. Alternatives include "an expected series of events" or "a routine progression", each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtle distinctions can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expected series of events

Focuses on the anticipation of events happening in a specific order.

a routine progression

Highlights the habitual and standardized nature of the progression.

a standard procedure

Emphasizes the established and accepted method of doing something.

a typical course of action

Describes the usual and common way something is done.

an anticipated pattern

Stresses the foreseen arrangement or design.

a set order

Implies a fixed and unchangeable arrangement.

an established protocol

Highlights the formal and regulated aspect of the sequence.

a conventional pattern

Indicates the traditional and widely accepted arrangement.

a foreseeable development

Emphasizes the ability to anticipate how something will unfold.

a consistent unfolding

Focuses on the reliable and unchanging way something reveals itself.

FAQs

How can I use "a predictable sequence" in a sentence?

Use "a predictable sequence" to describe events or actions that consistently follow an expected order. For example: "The software installation followed "a predictable sequence" of steps."

What are some alternatives to "a predictable sequence"?

You can use alternatives like "an expected series of events", "a routine progression", or "a standard procedure" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a predictable sequence"?

While grammatically correct, "a predictable sequence" might be redundant in contexts where the sequence is already inherently obvious. Consider whether highlighting the predictability adds value to the description.

What's the difference between "a predictable sequence" and "a random sequence"?

"A predictable sequence" implies a specific, expected order of events, while "a random sequence" suggests that events occur without any discernible pattern or order.