a sequence of mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sequence of mistakes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a series of errors or missteps that occur in a particular context, such as a project or a process. Example: "The project failed due to a sequence of mistakes made during the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The death came amid a sequence of mistakes, according to fire officials and several neighbors on the prosperous, neatly landscaped block.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And he has made an astonishing sequence of mistakes in Lebanon, which his father spent quarter of a century turning into a vassal state.

The Economist

While the plot setup is cumbersome, it builds to a choreographed sequence of mistaken identities, confusion and pure slapstick, culminating in the injection of a tranquilliser by the psychiatrist Dent (Stuart Graham) that transforms Ralph into a jelly-legged contortionist.

The Guardian

A sequence-of-tenses problem.

The New York Times

In case of a mistake, a sequence of the same length is presented.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

One of the main promises he held out there American help for Palestinian statehood has recently run into the sand as the result of what even his admirers admit was a sequence of cack-handed diplomatic fumbles, notably the mistake of picking a fight over Israeli settlements and then backing down.

The Economist

A sequence of incompetent juries had made a series of mediocre and often mistaken selections.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe a sequence of earthquakes discouraged them.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a sequence of astonishing power.

The New Yorker

There is a sequence of steps.

Huffington Post

A sequence of events?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sequence of mistakes" to emphasize a chain reaction or interconnected nature of errors, rather than isolated incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "a sequence of mistakes" when describing unrelated errors. Instead, opt for phrases like "several mistakes" or "various errors" to reflect their disconnected nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sequence of mistakes" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific set of errors that occur in a connected series. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in describing a series of connected errors, often leading to negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sequence of mistakes" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a series of interconnected errors. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various writing registers. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it is also common in science and business contexts. Understanding the nuance of interconnectedness that the term implies ensures accurate and effective communication. Consider using alternatives like "a series of errors" or "a chain of blunders" for varied impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of errors

Focuses on the errors themselves, similar to the original phrase but more general.

a string of missteps

Similar to 'sequence' but uses 'missteps' to soften the negativity.

a chain of blunders

Emphasizes the clumsiness or foolishness of the mistakes.

a pattern of errors

Highlights the recurring nature or systematic issue behind the mistakes.

a catalog of errors

Highlights the numerous and varied nature of the mistakes.

a cascade of errors

Suggests that the errors trigger each other, leading to a larger problem.

a litany of failures

Stresses the negative outcome resulting from the mistakes.

a train of errors

Conveys a sense of inevitability, one mistake leading to another.

an unfortunate series of events

Euphemistic, downplaying the role of mistakes by framing it as unfortunate circumstances.

a comedy of errors

Suggests a humorous or absurd series of mistakes with light consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sequence of mistakes" to describe a series of errors that happen one after another. For example, "The project failed due to "a sequence of mistakes" in the planning phase".

What are some alternatives to saying "a sequence of mistakes"?

Alternatives to "a sequence of mistakes" include "a series of errors", "a chain of blunders", or "a pattern of errors" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a sequence of mistakes" or "several mistakes"?

"A sequence of mistakes" implies that the mistakes are linked or follow one another, while "several mistakes" simply indicates that there were multiple errors without implying a connection. The best choice depends on whether the mistakes are related or independent.

What does "a sequence of mistakes" imply about the errors?

"A sequence of mistakes" implies that the errors are not isolated incidents but rather form a connected chain, where one mistake may lead to or exacerbate another. This suggests a systemic problem or a failure in a process.