a string of controversies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of controversies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a series of events or situations that have caused public criticism or debate. For example, "The Prime Minister's recent statement has sparked a string of controversies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Schmidt, a 32-year veteran of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and the evangelical founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries, has been acting sheriff since Clarke resigned a year ago following a string of controversies, including a death in a jail under Clarke's authority and accusations of plagiarism in his master's degree thesis.

Huffington Post

It was just the latest in a string of controversies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The police investigation, however, is the latest in a string of controversies involving the pair.

The New York Times

He had been the subject of a string of controversies, including accusations of racism.

Independent

The row follows follow a string of controversies to hit the long-running show.

The Guardian

This is just the latest in a string of controversies ahead of Go Set a Watchman's publication.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Fountain scandal is the latest in a string of embarrassing controversies to hit Coronation Street.

The Guardian

Indeed, Halliburton, a global company with $14.7 billion in revenue last year, has weathered a string of public controversies.

The New York Times

What are you going to do in two weeks?" The scandal is the latest in a string of political controversies for the city.

The New York Times

The development is the latest headache for Mr Farage whose party has been embroiled in a string of inescapable controversies this month.

Independent

She listed a string of damning controversies faced by forces across the country, including the findings of the Hillsborough independent panel and the Plebgate row.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of controversies", ensure the context clearly identifies what specific events or issues constitute the "controversies". Provide examples or references to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of controversies" without providing specific examples or context. Otherwise, the statement may come across as vague and unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of controversies" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a series of events or situations that are contentious or cause public disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy of this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of controversies" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for describing a series of contentious events. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and the examples provided show that it appears most often in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific examples to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a series of disputes" or "a chain of scandals" can offer slightly different nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "a string of controversies" to communicate complex issues with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of disputes

Replaces "controversies" with "disputes", indicating disagreements or arguments.

a chain of scandals

Substitutes "controversies" with "scandals", suggesting more severe and damaging incidents.

a succession of conflicts

Uses "succession" instead of "string" and "conflicts" instead of "controversies", highlighting ongoing disagreements.

a spate of arguments

Replaces "string" with "spate" and "controversies" with "arguments", indicating a sudden increase in disagreements.

a host of disagreements

Uses "host" to mean a large number and replaces "controversies" with "disagreements".

a wave of objections

Employs "wave" to describe a surge and replaces "controversies" with "objections".

a flurry of contentions

Uses "flurry" to suggest a sudden burst and replaces "controversies" with "contentions".

a history of debates

Substitutes "string" with "history" and "controversies" with "debates", indicating prolonged discussions.

a catalog of issues

Replaces "string" with "catalog" to imply a list and "controversies" with "issues".

a pattern of conflicts

Uses "pattern" to indicate a recurring sequence and replaces "controversies" with "conflicts".

FAQs

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

You can use "a string of controversies" to describe a series of events or incidents that have caused disagreement or public debate. For example, "The company faced "a string of controversies" related to its environmental practices".

What are some alternatives to saying "a string of controversies"?

Alternatives include "a series of disputes", "a chain of scandals", or "a succession of conflicts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a string of controversies" in formal writing?

Yes, "a string of controversies" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or academic analyses, to describe a linked series of contentious events.

What's the difference between "a string of controversies" and "a series of controversies"?

The phrases "a string of controversies" and "a series of controversies" are largely interchangeable. Both refer to multiple related controversial incidents; the choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.