a sequence of troubles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sequence of troubles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of problems or difficulties that occur one after another. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself facing a sequence of troubles that seemed never-ending."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sequence-of-tenses problem.

The New York Times

Maybe a sequence of earthquakes discouraged them.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a sequence of astonishing power.

The New Yorker

This unleashes a sequence of unpleasant events.

The New York Times - Style

"This was a sequence of errors.

The Guardian

Or Parkinson's patients seem unable to initiate a sequence of movements such as rising from a chair or walking from one place to another, but once the action is initiated, they have no trouble performing it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Threatening messages that emerge out of a sequence of images would likely be more difficult for machine learning moderation tools to parse, though any human content moderator would have no trouble extracting their meaning.

TechCrunch

There is a sequence of steps.

Huffington Post

A sequence of events?

WikiHow

Still, the sequence of events troubled her.

The New York Times - Magazine

Europe has a "sea of troubles".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sequence of troubles" when you want to emphasize that the problems occurred in a specific order or have a causal relationship with each other. This highlights not just the presence of multiple issues, but also their chronological unfolding.

Common error

Avoid using "a sequence of troubles" in contexts where simpler phrases like "many problems" or "several difficulties" would be clearer and more direct. Choose the most straightforward language for your audience.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor, specifying a series of unfortunate events or problems. The absence of examples in Ludwig AI suggests that while grammatically correct, this phrase may not be frequently used in common writing.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sequence of troubles" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a series of problems or difficulties occurring in succession. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a frequently used expression in contemporary writing, leading to a classification of "Missing" in terms of frequency. While semantically valid, alternative phrases such as "a series of misfortunes" or "a chain of problems" might be more common and impactful. Therefore, while the phrase is acceptable, writers should consider the context and audience when choosing between it and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of misfortunes

Focuses more on bad luck or unfortunate events occurring one after another.

a chain of problems

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of the problems, where one leads to another.

a succession of difficulties

Highlights the temporal aspect, with difficulties following each other in time.

a string of adversities

Implies a more challenging or negative set of circumstances.

a cascade of issues

Suggests a rapid and overwhelming series of problems.

a barrage of setbacks

Conveys a sense of being bombarded with obstacles or failures.

a litany of woes

Indicates a long and mournful list of troubles.

a plague of problems

Implies a widespread and troublesome series of issues.

a cluster of predicaments

Suggests a group of challenging or difficult situations.

a run of bad luck

More informal, referring to a period of consistent misfortune.

FAQs

What does "a sequence of troubles" mean?

The phrase "a sequence of troubles" refers to a series of problems or difficulties that occur one after another, often implying a related or causal connection.

What can I say instead of "a sequence of troubles"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of misfortunes", "a chain of problems", or "a succession of difficulties" depending on the context.

How can the phrase "a sequence of troubles" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a sequence of troubles" to describe events following each other, such as: "After the company's initial setback, it faced "a sequence of troubles" that threatened its existence."

Is "a sequence of troubles" formal or informal?

The phrase "a sequence of troubles" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives may be preferred in very casual settings.