a progression of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a progression of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a series or sequence of events or actions that occur in a particular order. Example: The novel explores the protagonist's journey through a progression of challenging obstacles and personal growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I think that law was a progression of punitiveness that has been in progress since the early 1990s.

Vice

It's a progression of sorts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They also gather, I hope, a progression of ownership.

The Guardian

Brandon calls Rubinstein's career "chaotic, a progression of brilliantly executed extempore sallies".

The New Yorker

"These pictures show a progression of capability and a vision of experience," he said.

The New York Times

"He called it a progression of purposeful movement," Ms. Maxwell said.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, she sailed through a progression of Wii Fit's yoga poses, including the half-moon, warrior, tree and sun salutation.

The New York Times

It is a progression of the platform and will help many small companies to streamline their businesses.

The Guardian

Now, there is a progression of qualifying times with a goal of limiting the field to 25,000 runners.

The New York Times - Health

If the Heisman were based on a progression of numbers, Manning would be on track to win it in December.

The New York Times - Sports

"The screens are narrative; they show a progression of one battle over several days," Mr. Longhi said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a progression of", ensure that the elements you are describing follow a logical order or sequence. This helps to create a clear and understandable narrative or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "a progression of" when the elements are not sequentially related or when their order is not important. Using it incorrectly can confuse the reader and weaken the overall impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a progression of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, often followed by a noun. It typically introduces a list or description of items, events, or stages that are sequentially ordered. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a progression of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe a sequence or series of related items or events that occur in a specific order, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the sequential nature of these items, adding clarity and structure to communication. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a range of contexts, from formal and scientific writing to news and media reporting. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the items or events follow a logical order. Alternatives such as "a series of" or "a sequence of" may be used depending on the context. With its consistent presence in authoritative sources, "a progression of" is a valuable tool for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of

Emphasizes a sequence of related things or events, similar to a progression.

a sequence of

Highlights the ordered arrangement of elements, like stages in a progression.

a chain of

Suggests a linked series where each element depends on the previous one.

a succession of

Implies that one thing follows another in time, like steps in a progression.

a development of

Focuses on the unfolding or evolution of something over time.

an evolution of

Highlights a gradual process of change and improvement.

a string of

Similar to a series, but often implies a weaker connection between elements.

a parade of

Suggests a display or presentation of something in a particular order.

a flow of

Implies a continuous movement or stream, similar to a gradual progression.

a spectrum of

Highlights a range of different stages or aspects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a progression of" in a sentence?

Use "a progression of" to describe a series of events, stages, or items that follow a specific order or development. For example, "The study examined "a progression of symptoms" in patients with the disease".

What's the difference between "a progression of" and "a series of"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence, "a progression of" often implies a development or evolution, whereas "a series of" simply denotes a sequence. Therefore, "a progression of" suggests a change or advancement through the series.

What are some alternatives to using "a progression of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a sequence of", "a succession of", or "a development of". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the order, the continuity, or the evolution of the items or events.

Is it always necessary to specify the order when using "a progression of"?

Yes, the strength of the expression "a progression of" lies in its suggestion of order. The meaning is weakened if the order is arbitrary or unclear. If the order is not important then consider using "a group of" or "a collection of".