a string of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a string of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of items, people, or events that are linked together. For example, "The band's setlist included a string of classic rock songs from the 70s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has suffered a string of setbacks.

The Economist

A string of Louisiana archetypes followed.

The Economist

He let loose a string of expletives.

The New York Times

This leads to a string of questions.

Independent

A string of expletives.

The New York Times - Books

Her response was a string of profanities.

The Telegraph

Then there was a string of upsets.

The New Yorker

A string of red lights pops on.

The Washington Post

"A String of Pearl," Planetarium show.

The New York Times

A string of incidents confirmed his sentiments.

The Guardian

'I had a string of straight boyfriends.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a string of" to connect related items or events, creating a sense of continuity or consequence in your writing. For example, "The company faced a string of challenges after the new regulations were implemented."

Common error

Avoid using "a string of" to describe items that are completely unrelated or lack a logical connection. Ensure the items share a common characteristic or context. For instance, instead of "a string of cars, ideas, and apples", try "a string of innovative ideas" or "a string of classic cars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, typically a plural noun. It modifies the noun to indicate a sequence or series of related items or events, as supported by Ludwig's examples. The phrase adds detail regarding the quantity and nature of the items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a string of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a sequence of related items or events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "a series of" or "a succession of" exist, "a string of" often implies a stronger connection between the items. When using this phrase, ensure that the items are logically related to avoid misuse. With its neutral register and frequent occurrence, "a string of" remains a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of

Replaces "string" with "series", emphasizing the sequential nature.

a succession of

Uses "succession" to highlight that items follow one after another.

a chain of

Emphasizes the interconnectedness or linked nature of the items.

a sequence of

Focuses on the ordered arrangement of the items.

a run of

Implies a continuous or unbroken sequence.

a streak of

Suggests a continuous period of success, luck, or a particular attribute.

a cycle of

Highlights a recurring sequence of events.

a spate of

Suggests a sudden, large number of similar events occurring in a short period.

an array of

Conveys a diverse collection or arrangement of items.

a cluster of

Indicates a group of items that are located close together or share common attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "a string of" in a sentence?

Use "a string of" to describe a sequence or series of related items or events. For instance, "The project encountered "a string of unexpected delays"".

What are some alternatives to "a string of"?

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

Is it correct to say "a string of event" instead of "a string of events"?

No, it is incorrect. "String" implies multiple items, so you should always use the plural form, such as "a string of events".

What is the difference between "a string of" and "a series of"?

While similar, "a string of" often implies a more direct or causal connection between the items, whereas ""a series of"" simply denotes a sequence or succession.