a series of boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a series of boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing multiple boxes that are arranged in a sequence or collection. Example: "The artist displayed a series of boxes, each containing a different piece of artwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

As ever, the story unfolds as a series of boxes within boxes.

The Guardian - Film

Like all climate models, giss's divides the world into a series of boxes.

The New Yorker

Like many kitchens, this one is based on rectangles, and in very broad terms comprises a series of boxes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most brownstones, said Hugh Hardy, of Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, the Manhattan architecture firm, are a series of boxes that all seem the same.

The New York Times

So when you start you are faced with a series of boxes to tick, only one of which is your degree.

The Guardian

A series of boxes piled one on another, with a breathtaking six-story atrium, it is painted an eye-popping color known to locals as "enchilada red".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

After a series of box-office disasters, she was replaced.

The New York Times - Books

Relativity had suffered a series of box-office failures, and high-level executives were leaving.

The New Yorker

This project is closer to a multimedia course in Haydn than a series of box sets.

The New York Times - Arts

In the 1980s he appeared in a series of box office failures that have nevertheless become cult favourites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Johnny Depp stars as Bulger, and - should the Oscars campaigning pay off - this could be the film that turns his career around after a series of box office flops.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, define what each "box" represents, especially if the term is used metaphorically to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming readers will understand what the "boxes" represent without explicit explanation. If "boxes" are metaphorical (e.g., stages in a process), make this clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a series of boxes" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often serves as a subject or object, describing an arrangement or set of containers or abstract entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Books

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a series of boxes" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase. It effectively conveys the idea of multiple boxes arranged in a sequence or collection. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedic entries and informal discussions. While it can refer to literal boxes, it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe processes or stages. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for ambiguity and ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning. As demonstrated by the Ludwig examples, clear context helps prevent misinterpretations. Key authoritative sources that frequently employ this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian and Wikipedia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a succession of boxes

Replaces "series" with "succession", emphasizing the sequential nature of the boxes.

a sequence of boxes

Uses "sequence" instead of "series", highlighting the order in which the boxes appear.

multiple boxes in a row

Emphasizes the linear arrangement of the boxes.

several boxes lined up

Focuses on the alignment of the boxes.

a collection of boxes

Shifts the focus to the group of boxes rather than their arrangement.

an array of boxes

Highlights the arrangement or display of the boxes.

a set of boxes

Emphasizes that the boxes belong together as a unit.

various boxes arranged

Highlights the arrangement of the boxes.

assorted boxes positioned

Indicates a variety of boxes and their placement.

boxes in a configuration

Focuses on the particular pattern or layout of the boxes.

FAQs

How can I use "a series of boxes" in a sentence?

You can use "a series of boxes" to describe physical arrangements, like "The warehouse contained "a series of boxes" stacked high", or abstract concepts, such as "The project involved checking off "a series of boxes" to meet all requirements".

What are some alternatives to "a series of boxes"?

Alternatives include "a succession of boxes", "a sequence of boxes", or "a collection of boxes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a series of boxes" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when describing a process or steps that can be visualized as distinct stages or components. Ensure the context makes the metaphorical meaning clear.

What is the difference between "a series of boxes" and "a collection of boxes"?

"A series of boxes" often implies an order or sequence, while "a collection of boxes" simply suggests a group without a specific arrangement.