a row of letters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a row of letters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence or arrangement of letters, often in a visual or textual context. Example: "The sign displayed a row of letters that spelled out the name of the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cognitive Science

Handwriting

Typography

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Gadi Geiger and Jerome Lettvin, cognitive scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, used a mechanical shutter, called a tachistoscope, to briefly flash a row of letters extending from the center of a subject's field of vision out to its perimeter.

The New York Times

Baseline recording of 6 min under the condition of eyes open was followed by performance of three cognitive tests: a concentration test (d2-test) [ 11], a mathematical calculation test (according to [ 12]) and a memory test consisting in the presentation of a row of letters and numbers, which appeared for 4 s on a screen followed by 10 s black screen.

BMC Psychiatry

Never do a row of letters as you will tend to copy the one you just finished.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the second test, students were presented with a row of three letters and asked to ignore everything except for the letter in the middle.

Science Magazine

For example, effects of practice on visual acuity were studied by requiring observers to detect simple orientation (left or right) in a row of leaning letters; e.g.,.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or maybe they are afraid to go farther, for above them, looking like a billboard sign, is a row of Romanesque letters spelling out the words "Hamburger Hill".

The New York Times

During the performance of the memory test, where a row of 8 combined letters and numbers have to be memorized within 4 seconds, also left and right frontal delta and theta power increase in a highly significant manner (labelled by stars in the upper part of Figure 4) which also leads to dominant red-yellow colour increases in the brain map (middle part of Figure 4).

BMC Psychiatry

Inside, he saw bicycle frames, a row of athletic trophies, papers, letters, a sleeping bag, and other personal effects.

The New Yorker

On a qwerty keyboard, "triple", "galosh", "parser", and "pitied", can almost be typed with one row of letters.

WikiHow

Amos Densmore, and educator and brother of Sholes' main investor, conducted a study of letter pairings and came up with information that led Sholes to create what we now know as the QWERTY keyboard (so-called for the first 6 letters on the top row of letters on the keyboard), which was added to his patent for improvements on the typewriter in 1878.

Huffington Post

Standard keyboards, also referred to as "QWERTY" keyboards because those letters are the first 6 on the left on the top row of letters, consist of the letters of the alphabet with the numbers 1 to 0 above them, punctuation symbols, a numeric keypad to the right, and a range of function keys.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts involving keyboard layouts, "a row of letters" accurately describes a specific line of keys, like the QWERTY row.

Common error

Avoid substituting "row" with "roll". "Row" indicates a linear sequence, while "roll" refers to a cylindrical shape or rotary motion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a row of letters" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It typically acts as a descriptive element, specifying an arrangement or sequence of letters.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a row of letters" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a linear sequence or arrangement of letters. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a range of contexts from news and media to scientific publications and wiki articles. It is suitable for neutral and descriptive purposes, especially when detailing visual arrangements or keyboard layouts. Related phrases include "a sequence of characters" and "a string of letters", each with subtly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sequence of characters

Replaces "letters" with the broader term "characters", encompassing numbers and symbols as well.

a string of characters

Similar to "sequence", "string" suggests a linear arrangement.

a line of text

Shifts the focus to the textual aspect, suitable when the letters form part of a written passage.

a series of symbols

Broadens the scope to include non-letter symbols, useful in technical contexts.

an array of letters

"Array" implies a structured arrangement, potentially in rows and columns.

a column of letters

Specifies a vertical arrangement instead of a horizontal one.

alphanumeric sequence

Focuses on a string composed of alphabets and numbers.

typographical arrangement

Rephrases it in terms of layout.

a line of glyphs

Replaces "letters" with the slightly more technical term "glyphs".

letters in succession

More formal phrasing emphasizing sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a row of letters" to describe characters arranged linearly, such as "The keyboard displays "a row of letters" for easy typing".

What are some alternatives to "a row of letters"?

Alternatives include "a sequence of characters", "a line of text", or "a series of symbols", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a row of letters" or "a string of letters"?

Both "a row of letters" and "a string of letters" are acceptable, but "row" emphasizes the visual arrangement, while "string" highlights the sequential nature. The best choice depends on the context.

In what context is "a row of letters" most commonly used?

The phrase "a row of letters" is commonly used in contexts involving visual displays, such as eye charts, keyboards, or signage, where the linear arrangement of letters is a key feature.