a string of lapses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of lapses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of mistakes or errors that occur in succession. Example: "The project faced significant delays due to a string of lapses in communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A former city crane inspector was found guilty on Friday of claiming to have inspected six cranes that he had not actually visited, part of a string of lapses by the Department of Buildings that came to light after two separate crane collapses in 2008 killed nine people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was even temporarily banned from launching new takeovers in 2005, after a string of regulatory lapses.

The Economist

Any hint of ethical impropriety is particularly embarrassing for Mr. Harper's government, which came to power in 2006 after a string of ethical lapses by Liberal Party members.

The New York Times

Adding to the problems, leading newspapers reported a string of security lapses, including the failure by the authorities to detect explosives brought into a competition site during a security drill.

The New York Times

The acknowledgment came as Energy Secretary Bill Richardson and his department faced harsh criticism in Congress over the loss of the hard drives, the latest in a string of security lapses at the New Mexico laboratory, where nuclear weapons are designed.

The New York Times

A string of security lapses resulted in a four-day delay before the US secret service realised that a man had fired a high-powered rifle at the White House in 2011, in an incident that could have put President Barack Obama's daughters at risk, according to a Washington Post investigation.

The Guardian

Japan Airlines' chairman will resign to take responsibility for a string of safety lapses, the carrier said Monday, and announced that it swung to a profit for the fiscal year as a recovery in international tourism offset a decline in domestic air travel.

Forbes

Shares of the burrito chain, which has been under a microscope since it was linked to a string of food safety lapses in 2015, fell 4.5percenttoto close at $356.05 on Thursday.

Huffington Post

In fact, the string of lapses was capped by a staff lawyer receiving the highest performance rating from the agency, in part for her "ability to understand and analyze the complex issues of the Madoff investigation".

The New York Times

In the win over West Ham, he made a string of important saves after momentary lapses in defence and claimed a clean sheet with an excellent save.

BBC

Meyer declined comment.The incidents were the latest in a string of several safety and security lapses that in July prompted Nanos to suspend 23 employees and shut down all work at the 12,000-employee lab (Science, 23 July, p. 462).

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of lapses", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of lapses are being discussed (e.g., security, ethical, safety).

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a string of lapses" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "a series of mistakes" or "lots of errors" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of lapses" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence or series of failures, errors, or omissions. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of lapses" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a series of errors or failures. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation. The phrase serves to highlight a pattern of concerning issues. Remember to clarify the nature of the lapses and consider the audience when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A series of failures

Focuses on the outcome of not succeeding, rather than the errors themselves.

A succession of errors

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the mistakes.

A chain of mistakes

Highlights the interconnectedness of the errors, suggesting one led to another.

A catalog of blunders

Implies a wider range and potentially more significant impact of the mistakes.

A sequence of oversights

Suggests the errors were due to negligence or inattention.

A pattern of negligence

Highlights the consistent nature of the errors due to the lack of proper care.

A litany of slip-ups

Conveys a sense of numerous minor mistakes.

A run of deficiencies

Indicates a lack of necessary qualities or skills that lead to errors.

A wave of incidents

Focuses on the occurrence of multiple negative events, rather than necessarily errors.

A trail of faults

Suggests that errors have left visible signs and consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a string of lapses" to describe a series of mistakes or failures, for example: "The company experienced a significant setback due to "a string of lapses" in quality control."

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

Alternatives include "a series of failures", "a succession of errors", or "a chain of mistakes", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "a string of lapses" in formal writing?

Yes, "a string of lapses" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or official matters. However, consider the audience and context to ensure the language is appropriate.

What is the difference between "a string of lapses" and "a few lapses"?

"A string of lapses" implies multiple, connected errors, while "a few lapses" suggests a small number of isolated mistakes. The former indicates a more significant or systemic problem.