a string of letters

USAGE SUMMARY

"a string of letters" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sequence of characters or symbols, such as a word or phrase. For example, "The password requires a string of at least 8 letters and numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Taken as a string of letters to be memorized and regurgitated, it's unremarkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We build on the ability to remember faces better than a string of letters and numbers".

The New York Times - Tech

The customers then receive a text message that includes a string of letters and numbers.

The New York Times

Just type the number and then follow it with a string of letters and symbols unique to the recipient's carrier.

The New York Times - Tech

This is the latest of a string of letters we've been sent about the RAC in recent months.

The Guardian - Money

Then the experimenter presented a string of letters such as card, and asks the subject, "Is that a word?".

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The genome sequence is a string of three billion letters of the genetic code.

The New York Times

Dawn King's acclaimed debut Foxfinder also had a string of rejection letters.

The Guardian

If it gives you a string of unfamiliar letters or numbers, you are probably being phished.

The New York Times - Tech

In general, each tumor cell holds a full panoply of human DNA, a string of three billion letters of the genetic code.

The New York Times - Health

Captchas are the puzzles on many Web sites that present a string of distorted letters and numbers.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing computer programming or data structures, use "a string of letters" to clearly describe a sequence of characters.

Common error

Be specific when using "a string of letters". Ensure the context clarifies that you are referring to alphabetic characters, not other types of strings like those used for tying or connecting objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of letters" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a preposition or a complement to a verb, describing a sequence or series of alphabetic characters. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of letters" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a sequence of alphabetic characters. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and the examined sources show its prevalence across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. It serves to define elements such as passwords, coding sequences, and genetic components. While it maintains a neutral register, careful contextual use ensures clarity, particularly when distinguishing it from more inclusive "strings of characters". Understanding its function and purpose enables precise communication in both technical and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sequence of letters

Replaces 'string' with 'sequence', emphasizing the ordered arrangement of the letters.

a series of letters

Substitutes 'string' with 'series', highlighting the sequential nature of the letters.

a chain of letters

Uses 'chain' instead of 'string', suggesting a connected sequence of letters.

an arrangement of letters

Replaces 'string' with 'arrangement', focusing on the organization of the letters.

a combination of letters

Uses 'combination' instead of 'string', emphasizing the mixture of letters.

a collection of letters

Changes 'string' to 'collection', highlighting that it is a group of letters gathered together.

a group of letters

Replaces 'string' with 'group', simply indicating a set of letters.

a succession of letters

Substitutes 'string' with 'succession', emphasizing that the letters follow one after another.

a run of letters

Uses 'run' instead of 'string', suggesting a continuous sequence of letters.

a sequence of alphabetic characters

Replaces "letters" with a more technical term "alphabetic characters".

FAQs

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

You can use "a string of letters" to describe any sequence of alphabetic characters, like "The password must contain "a string of letters" and numbers".

What is another way to say "a string of letters"?

Alternatives include "a sequence of letters", "a series of letters", or "a chain of letters". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a string of letters" formal or informal?

"A string of letters" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more technical terms might be preferred in highly formal or scientific writing.

What's the difference between "a string of letters" and "a string of characters"?

"A string of letters" specifically refers to alphabetic characters, while "a string of characters" can include letters, numbers, symbols, and whitespace.