a sequence of steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sequence of steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process or a series of actions that need to be followed in order to achieve a specific outcome. Example: "To bake a cake, you need to follow a sequence of steps, including mixing the ingredients and preheating the oven."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The modelling is illustrated as a sequence of steps of increasing model simplification.

Chemical Engineering Science

The substrate bias was either decreased or increased in a sequence of steps.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Each procedure is achieved by a sequence of steps performed by the designers.

Journal of Systems and Software

This road map will set forth a sequence of steps toward the goals I set out on June 24 , 2002 goals shared by all the parties.

The New York Times

Wound healing is a well-orchestrated process, where numerous factors are activated or inhibited in a sequence of steps.

Journal of Dermatological Science

A flow defines a sequence of steps and a set of design tools for a specific type of design style.

CMOS IC Layout Concepts, Methodologies, and Tools

The Petri subset models consist of a sequence of steps required to reinstate the system back to a normal state.

Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

Terminating a TCP connection proceeds as a sequence of steps in which both the client and server request and acknowledge the end of the connection.

University of California, Berkeley

We analyse the main features of free-form surfaces used in this technology, and propose a sequence of steps to identify the most suitable milling strategy.

Measurement

The excavated rocks were classified based on petrography into four types and then converted to powder form in a sequence of steps.

Construction and Building Materials

A sequence of steps that coordinates tip potential, tip position, and substrate potential values was designed and implemented to improve the repeatability and confinement of the deposited microdisks.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex process, break it down into "a sequence of steps" to improve clarity and understanding for your audience.

Common error

Avoid implying causality when simply outlining "a sequence of steps". Ensure the language clearly indicates whether each step directly causes the next, or if they are merely ordered actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sequence of steps" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase typically identifies a defined set of actions or procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sequence of steps" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an ordered set of actions or procedures. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts like science, news, and academia. The phrase's purpose is to provide structure and clarity when outlining a process. When using this phrase, avoid implying causality unless it is explicitly stated, and consider alternatives such as "a series of actions" or "a progression of stages" to best fit the specific context. The phrase's high frequency and diverse usage across reputable sources indicate its broad applicability and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chain of steps

Suggests a strong, interconnected link between the steps.

a series of steps

Implies a more formal or structured progression.

a succession of steps

Highlights the sequential and chronological aspect.

a progression of actions

Focuses on the active nature and movement forward.

a procedural pathway

Suggests a formal or regulated approach.

a staged approach

Emphasizes distinct phases or levels in the process.

an ordered method

Highlights systematic organization.

a strategic unfolding

Suggests deliberate and planned development.

a phased implementation

Implies a gradual and systematic execution.

a measured advancement

Emphasizes controlled and careful progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sequence of steps" to describe processes, instructions, or any set of actions that need to be performed in a specific order. For example, "The recipe involves "a sequence of steps" to ensure the cake rises properly."

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

Alternatives include "a series of actions", "a chain of events", or "a progression of stages", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a sequence of steps" or "a series of steps"?

Both "a sequence of steps" and "a series of steps" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Sequence" emphasizes the ordered arrangement, while "series" simply implies a set or succession.

In what contexts is "a sequence of steps" most appropriate?

"A sequence of steps" is particularly useful when describing technical processes, scientific procedures, or instructional guides, where the order of actions is crucial for success.