a row

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a row" is a commonly used expression in written English.
It is often used to say that two or more people are sitting in a line or arranged in an orderly fashion. For example: "The students sat in a row, eagerly waiting for the teacher to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twice in a row!!

Independent

Six in a row?

The New York Times - Sports

Two gifts in a row?

The New York Times

Five dingers in a row!

The New York Times - Sports

Six pars in a row.

Independent

"It's eight in a row".

The New York Times - Sports

That's seven in a row.

The New York Times

"Two questions in a row.

The New Yorker

And I scented a row.

The Guardian - Opinion

Three botched snaps in a row!

The New York Times

The Ravens lost three in a row.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a row" to describe consecutive events, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the sequence, such as "five wins in a row".

Common error

Avoid using "a row" when you mean a single instance of rowing (the sport). Be clear whether you're referring to consecutive occurrences or a line of objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a row" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a linear arrangement or a consecutive sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. Examples include "a row of chairs" and "five wins in a row".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a row" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, ranging from describing linear arrangements to consecutive sequences and even disputes. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for general communication, but careful attention to context is essential to avoid ambiguity. When describing consecutive events, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the sequence, such as "five wins in "a row"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a line

Similar to "a row" when describing physical arrangements, but highlights the linear arrangement.

straight

Implies an uninterrupted series, often used in sports or games to denote consecutive wins or losses.

consecutively

Focuses on the unbroken sequence of events or items, differing from "a row" by highlighting the continuity.

in sequence

Highlights the ordered arrangement or occurrence of items, providing a more formal alternative.

in succession

Replaces "a row" to emphasize a sequence of events happening one after another.

running

Used to describe consecutive wins or losses, this term focuses on the continuation of the streak.

one after another

Emphasizes the serial nature of events, providing a more descriptive alternative to "a row".

series of

Emphasizes that multiple events or items are connected in some way, differing from "a row" in not necessarily implying order.

disagreement

When "a row" refers to a dispute, this term provides a direct synonym, focusing on the lack of consensus.

quarrel

Focuses on the confrontational aspect of a dispute, offering a more emotive alternative to "a row".

FAQs

How can I use "a row" in a sentence?

You can use "a row" to describe objects or people arranged in a line, as in "a row of chairs". It can also describe consecutive events, such as "three wins in a row".

What can I say instead of "a row"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in succession", "consecutively", or, if referring to a dispute, "disagreement".

Is it correct to say 'in a roll' instead of 'in a row'?

While "in a roll" can sometimes imply a period of success, it's not directly interchangeable with "in a row". "In a row" specifically refers to consecutive occurrences.

When does "a row" refer to an argument or dispute?

"A row" can refer to a disagreement, especially in British English. For example, "They had "a quarrel" over the bill". The context usually makes the meaning clear.