a string of circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of events or situations that are connected or related to each other. Example: "The investigation revealed a string of circumstances that led to the unfortunate accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The nation was eventually liberated from what they had wrought by a string of circumstances, including an extraordinary economic crisis in the late 1980s and the underrated fact that old men eventually die.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And Bush seems to be making progress getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons while winning a string of Congressional battles that would under other circumstances be seen as legacy victories — a bipartisan deal on wiretapping, war financing without strings, expansion of his global AIDS program.

The New York Times - Magazine

The GMC ruled that Patel made a string of errors and failed to fully consider the circumstances of White's death.

The Guardian

The GMC ruled that Patel made a string of errors and failed to consider fully the circumstances of White's death.

The Guardian

Throughout the remainder of the 1980s, Cockburn produced a string of politically charged albums, including World of Wonders (1986) and Big Circumstance (1988).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ruling broke a string of recent cases in which the trade agency had sided with domestic companies and workers in roughly similar circumstances.

The New York Times

It has suffered a string of setbacks.

The Economist

A string of Louisiana archetypes followed.

The Economist

He gives you a string of examples.

The New Yorker

ITX made a string of unprofitable acquisitions.

The Economist

He let loose a string of expletives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a string of circumstances" when you want to emphasize a series of interconnected events that have led to a particular outcome or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of circumstances" too frequently in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "series of events" or "chain of occurrences" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of circumstances" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a connected series of events or conditions. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of circumstances" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a succession of interconnected events or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable in various writing contexts, although it's crucial to consider the tone and specific meaning you intend to convey. While this phrase is useful for explaining outcomes through related events, synonyms such as "series of events" or "chain of events" can add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and tailor your phrasing to match the context and desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of events

Focuses on the sequential nature of happenings, omitting the implication of interconnectedness present in the original phrase.

a chain of events

Emphasizes the causal relationship between the happenings, where one leads to another.

a sequence of incidents

Highlights the individual and potentially impactful nature of each occurrence.

a confluence of factors

Indicates multiple influences coming together, rather than a strict sequence.

a combination of circumstances

Stresses the concurrent existence and interaction of multiple conditions.

a set of conditions

Focuses on the prevailing situations or states that exist.

a convergence of events

Suggests different occurrences moving toward a common point or outcome.

an accumulation of incidents

Highlights the increasing number of happenings, often implying a negative consequence.

a concatenation of happenings

Emphasizes the linking or chaining together of events, often in an unexpected way.

a tide of occurrences

Implies a powerful, overwhelming flow of happenings.

FAQs

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

You can use "a string of circumstances" to describe a series of related events that lead to a specific outcome. For example, "The company's failure was due to "a string of circumstances" including poor management and economic downturn."

What phrases are similar to "a string of circumstances"?

Similar phrases include "a series of events", "a chain of events", and "a sequence of incidents". These alternatives also describe a set of related happenings.

Is "a string of circumstances" formal or informal?

"A string of circumstances" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What determines whether I should use "a string of circumstances" over an alternative phrase?

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "A string of circumstances" implies interconnectedness, while "a series of events" may simply describe a chronological order. The best choice depends on the specific context and the relationship between the happenings.