a sense of sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of sequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the understanding or perception of order or arrangement in a series of events or elements. Example: "In storytelling, a sense of sequence is crucial for maintaining the audience's engagement and comprehension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Content is random, yet there is geometric construction and in the case of the "Story Board" series, a sense of sequence.

The New York Times

Among all the other things that sports do, providing a sense of sequence and calling it history is one of the nicest.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

within a sample by the samples' respective total sum of reads, and in a second step these percentages were multiplied by the average read count over all samples to retain a sense of sequencing depth in Figure 2 and Figure 4.

BMC Genomics

To get a sense of the sequence of political slogans and catchphrases through the years, I've compiled a list of some of the more entertaining slogans advanced during presidential campaigns.

Huffington Post

Conceived and directed by James Lapine, Mr. Sondheim's frequent (and, to me, best) collaborator over the years, this somewhat jittery production never quite finds a sustained tone, a natural rhythm or even a logical sense of sequence.

The New York Times

They are theatrical because they depict something happening – they contain a sense of drama, implying sequence.

The Guardian - Books

Monday's announcement assigned those issues to particular days, giving a sense of the logical sequence in which the justices will approach them.

The New York Times

There's something just a little hurried about the progress of these events and emotions, so that you get a sense of how the sequence is meant to work rather than being affected by it directly.

Independent

Offering children a sense of time and sequence (like "Finish cleaning your room so you can play with your brother when he gets home at 2 30") can help.[2].

WikiHow

To take a brief aside, [INAUDIBLE] tutored by the work of Matt Wilson recently because his work shows that even those rats have a pretty good sense of sequence as they move through a maze.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The purpose is to understand more about a sense of time and sequencing, a big issue in some human degenerative disorders.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or narratives, ensure your writing conveys "a sense of sequence" by using transitional phrases like "first", "next", "then", and "finally" to clearly guide the reader through the steps or events.

Common error

Avoid presenting information in a random or disjointed manner. Without "a sense of sequence", the reader may struggle to follow your argument or understand your process, leading to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of sequence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe an understanding or awareness of the order in which things occur or are arranged. The phrase often modifies other nouns, providing context and clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of sequence" is a noun phrase used to describe an understanding or awareness of the order in which things occur. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While not exceptionally frequent, its meaning is clear and well-established. When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing the importance of the order or arrangement being discussed. Be aware that similar phrases, such as "an awareness of order" or "a feeling for chronology", may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an awareness of order

Emphasizes the consciousness of a structured arrangement, changing the focus from a general feeling to a specific awareness.

a feeling for chronology

Highlights the understanding of time-based ordering, specifically focusing on the chronological aspect of sequence.

an appreciation of structure

Stresses the value and understanding of an organized framework, broadening the concept of sequence to include overall structure.

a grasp of progression

Focuses on understanding how things advance or develop, shifting the emphasis from static order to dynamic movement.

a logical understanding

Emphasizes the comprehension of a coherent and rational arrangement, highlighting the logical aspect of sequence.

a perception of flow

Highlights the continuous and smooth movement or arrangement, focusing on the fluidity of the sequence.

an intuition for arrangement

Focuses on an instinctive understanding of how things are placed or organized, emphasizing a natural sense rather than a learned understanding.

a recognition of pattern

Emphasizes the ability to identify recurring elements or structures, highlighting the pattern-based aspect of sequence.

a command of process

Stresses control and understanding of a series of actions or steps, focusing on the ability to manage and direct the sequence.

knowledge of ordering

Emphasizes the factual understanding of how elements are arranged, shifting the focus to established information about sequence.

FAQs

How can I improve "a sense of sequence" in my writing?

To improve "a sense of sequence", plan your writing with a clear outline, use transition words to connect ideas, and ensure each point logically follows the previous one. Review your work to confirm a smooth and understandable progression for the reader.

What is another way to say "a sense of sequence"?

You can use alternatives like "an awareness of order", "a feeling for chronology", or "an appreciation of structure", depending on the context.

Why is "a sense of sequence" important in storytelling?

In storytelling, "a sense of sequence" is crucial for maintaining audience engagement and comprehension. It helps create a coherent narrative, build suspense, and ensure the plot progresses logically, making the story more impactful and enjoyable.

How does "a sense of sequence" differ from "a sense of chronology"?

"A sense of sequence" refers to the general understanding of order or arrangement, while "a sense of chronology" specifically relates to understanding events in their time-based order. Chronology is a specific type of sequence focused on time.