a string of crackdowns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of crackdowns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of actions taken to enforce laws or regulations, often in a strict or severe manner. Example: "The government has implemented a string of crackdowns on illegal activities in the city, aiming to restore order and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Last week the Ugandan government arrested the opposition leader Kizza Besigye, and attacked protesters in Kampala — the latest in a string of crackdowns since the Ugandan elections early last year.

The New York Times

A string of crackdowns on journalists accompanied Bahrain's controversial Grand Prix race over the weekend.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A report by the watchdog details a "brutal crackdown" following a string of attacks on military installations around the country in August.

The Guardian

For weeks, opposition figures and rights activists have claimed to receive reports of defecting soldiers killed by others in their unit as the crackdown against a string of restive towns has ground across the country.

The New York Times

As this intensified in 2002, with a string of suicide bombings, Israel launched a security crackdown in the occupied territories.

The Economist

But opposition to the strongman's crackdown picked up late last year following a string of high-profile cases where police extrajudicially killed teenagers.

Vice

The killing occurred during a fierce crackdown on an illegal sect blamed for a string of murders and decapitations.

The New York Times

A string of incidents has led to a prison sentence, calls for a crackdown on festival "pranks" and a theological row over a kiss.

The Guardian - Film

However, after a string of deadly suicide attacks on Turkish soil, Turkey has intensified the crackdown on Isis cells at home, raiding safe houses and detaining hundreds, while carrying out cross-border artillery attacks on Isis targets in Syria.

The Guardian

But the crackdown extends way beyond a notorious comic with a string of convictions.

BBC

Among other tactics, Bo has drawn attention by launching a major crackdown on the triads in Chongqing, which has produced a string of courtroom dramas and headlines.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a string of crackdowns", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being cracked down on. Be specific about the target of these actions.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing "a string of crackdowns". Instead of saying 'There has been a string of crackdowns', opt for 'The government initiated "a string of crackdowns"'. This makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of crackdowns" functions as a noun phrase that describes a series of suppressive actions. It emphasizes the repetitive and sequential nature of these actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of crackdowns" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit rare in occurrence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a sequence of suppressive actions, often found in neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject of the crackdowns and consider more active phrasing for greater impact. Alternatives like "a series of repressions" or "a wave of suppressions" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of repressions

Focuses on the act of repressing, highlighting the actions taken.

a wave of suppressions

Emphasizes the intensity and widespread nature of the suppressive actions.

a chain of clampdowns

Uses "clampdowns" as a synonym, suggesting forceful measures to restrict activity.

a succession of restrictions

Highlights the imposition of new rules and limits.

a sequence of enforcements

Focuses on the legal and regulatory aspect of the actions.

a barrage of controls

Implies a forceful and overwhelming application of control measures.

a run of inhibitions

Emphasizes the effects of the actions on freedom and expression.

a roll of prohibitions

Uses prohibitions to highlight the restrictions and bans being imposed.

a spell of suppressions

Emphasizes the period of suppression activity.

an episode of curtailments

Implies a specific event or period where freedoms were curtailed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a string of crackdowns" to describe a series of actions taken to suppress or control something, for example, "The government implemented "a string of crackdowns" on illegal gambling operations".

What are some alternatives to "a string of crackdowns"?

Alternatives include "a series of repressions", "a wave of suppressions", or "a chain of clampdowns", depending on the specific context.

What does "a string of crackdowns" imply?

"A string of crackdowns" suggests a repeated and systematic effort to suppress or control something, often implying a forceful or authoritarian approach.

Is "a string of crackdowns" formal or informal language?

"A string of crackdowns" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reporting or academic writing. While not overly technical, it conveys a sense of seriousness and deliberate action.