a string of decisions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of decisions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of choices or judgments made in a particular context, often implying that they are connected or related. Example: "The project faced challenges due to a string of decisions that prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A string of decisions has to be made.

The New York Times - Sports

Wenger told Lee Mason "it is always the same with you" after disagreeing with a string of decisions.

Independent

A string of decisions that have included eye-rolling exasperation at the credit card companies has won him new followers.

The New York Times

This is only the latest in a string of decisions made by university authorities that have upset students.

Independent

For Mr. Clinton, a string of decisions on the economy belies his reputation as a poll-driven politician.

The New York Times

He argues that they turn managers into virtual robots in a system in which no one has the power to understand where a string of decisions is leading.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A string of poor decisions in hiring coaches.

The New York Times

A string of "bad decisions" by Nicola Sturgeon when she was health secretary has caused a chronic shortage of nurses and midwives across Scotland, according to opposition politicians.

The Times

A string of Supreme Court decisions has freed corporations, labor unions and other interest groups to participate in elections as long as they operate independently of candidates.

The Washington Post

Judge Garaufis also criticized Mr. Lopez's lawyers and even the judge in the case, Carolyn E. Demarest, who, he said, made a string of bad decisions.

The New York Times

On the House side, a string of perplexing decisions by Mr. Nunes has threatened to unravel the panel's investigation altogether.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of decisions", ensure the decisions are related thematically or chronologically to create a coherent narrative.

Common error

Avoid implying a direct causal relationship between decisions if the connection is weak or unsupported. Clearly articulate the links between each decision in the "string" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of decisions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, denoting a sequence or series of choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of decisions" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a sequence of choices, often related, with potential cumulative effects. Ludwig AI shows it appears frequently in news and business contexts, generally maintaining a neutral tone. When using the phrase, ensure the connection between the decisions is clear and avoid misattributing causation. Alternatives like "a series of choices" or "a chain of judgments" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of choices

Emphasizes the element of choice rather than the outcome or judgment implied by "decisions".

a chain of judgments

Highlights the sequential and linked nature of the decisions, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship.

a sequence of determinations

Implies a more formal or official set of decisions, often made by an authority.

a succession of conclusions

Focuses on the final conclusions reached after deliberation, rather than the decision-making process itself.

a cascade of choices

Suggests that one decision leads rapidly and inevitably to the next, often with significant consequences.

a run of decisions

A more informal way to describe a consecutive series of decisions.

a pattern of decision-making

Highlights the consistent approach or style used in making the decisions, rather than the individual choices themselves.

a line of reasoning

Focuses more on the thought process and justification behind the decisions, rather than the choices themselves.

a trail of actions

Broadens the scope to include the actions taken as a result of the decisions, not just the decisions themselves.

a body of rulings

Refers specifically to decisions made in a legal or official context, such as court rulings or administrative decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a string of decisions" to describe a series of choices made by an individual or group, as in, "The company's financial troubles were the result of "a string of decisions" made by the previous CEO."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a series of choices", "a chain of judgments", or "a sequence of determinations" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a string of decisions"?

Not necessarily. While the phrase can imply a negative outcome (e.g., "a string of bad decisions"), it can also be used neutrally to simply describe a series of related choices or actions. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

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

"A string of decisions" refers specifically to choices or judgments made, while "a series of events" is a broader term encompassing any sequence of occurrences, whether or not they involve deliberate decision-making.