a sequence of letters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sequence of letters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a string of characters, often in the context of coding, linguistics, or cryptography. Example: "The password must consist of a sequence of letters and numbers to ensure security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It's one thing to match a sequence of letters or numbers," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

If there is a sequence of letters starting with "at" in the Extra settings box, simply type "m0".

The New York Times - Tech

The drugs are designed to activate RNA interference to silence a gene with a sequence of letters of the genetic code corresponding to the sequence in the drug.

The New York Times

Precisely why this happened was due to a sequence of letters and boastful misunderstandings, and no book will tell the story or set the scene better.

The Guardian - Books

For example, a typical reaction-time experiment might ask a subject to classify a sequence of letters as a word or a nonword, by pressing a button.

MIT Technology Review

This is information in the form of a sequence of letters that they use to label each scene in a film.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

An N-grams consists of a sequence of n letters, where letters are possible nucleotide (A,T,G,C) bases of DNA sequences in ChIP-seq peaks.

BMC Genomics

A sequence of 8 letters was presented in a central (1 degree) circle, after which the subject reported the two target-letters.

Plosone

Emily Dickinson sent mourners a sequence of condolence letters, to reach them during different stages of grief, and enclosed flowers from her garden.

The New Yorker

You can now send a sequence of those letters to companies like Blue Heron Biotechnology, outside Seattle, and get the actual gene back in the mail for a dollar, or less, per letter).

The New York Times - Magazine

We used a sequence of 200 letters per condition.

Experimental Psychology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications, such as password requirements or genetic code, use "a sequence of letters" to clearly indicate an ordered arrangement of characters.

Common error

Avoid using "set" when "sequence" is more appropriate. A "set" implies a collection without a specific order, while a "sequence" emphasizes a particular arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sequence of letters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an ordered arrangement of letters, as seen in Ludwig's examples related to DNA, passwords, and linguistic analysis. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sequence of letters" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe an ordered arrangement of characters, often in technical or descriptive contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in Science and News & Media. Related phrases include "a string of characters" and "a series of characters", but it's important to choose the most precise term based on whether order and structure are emphasized. To avoid common errors, be mindful of the distinction between "sequence" and "set". Overall, this phrase is a reliable and useful component of both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ordered sequence of letters

This alternative emphasizes the ordered nature of the sequence.

a string of characters

This alternative refers to any linear arrangement of characters, not just letters.

a series of characters

This implies an ordered set of symbols including letters, numbers, or special characters.

a succession of letters

This highlights the consecutive nature of the letters.

a chain of letters

This suggests a connected series, similar to links in a chain.

a progression of letters

Emphasizes the sequential unfolding or development of the sequence.

a group of letters

Similar to a set, but implies a more coherent grouping.

a set of letters

This is broader, referring to any collection of letters, not necessarily in order.

a pattern of letters

This implies a discernible arrangement or repetition within the letters.

a combination of letters

Highlights the act of combining letters, rather than the result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sequence of letters" to describe various concepts, such as the arrangement of DNA bases, password creation, or linguistic patterns. For example: "The DNA molecule consists of "a sequence of bases"."

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

Alternatives include "a string of characters", "a series of characters", or "a chain of letters", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a sequence of letters" and "a string of letters"?

While both phrases are similar, "a sequence of letters" generally implies a more structured or meaningful order, while "a string of letters" may simply refer to any linear arrangement. Consider the context when choosing between "a sequence of letters" and "a string of letters".

When is it appropriate to use "a pattern of letters" instead of "a sequence of letters"?

"A pattern of letters" suggests a repeating or discernible arrangement, whereas "a sequence of letters" simply indicates an ordered arrangement without necessarily implying any repetition or structure. For example, you might say that the code consists of "a pattern of letters".