a string of murders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of murders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of murders that are related or occur in succession over a period of time. Example: "The detective was called to investigate a string of murders that had left the small town in fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Following a string of murders, there are at least 600 local government job vacancies.

Independent

Last October, the police confirmed that they were investigating a string of murders in northern Brooklyn.

The New York Times

His death was the latest in a string of murders, most of them stabbings, involving teenagers.

The New York Times

An Edinburgh road-rage incident sets off a string of murders in this deft thriller.

The New York Times

The killing was one in a string of murders of journalists in Russia.

The New York Times

Your editor tells you to go down to the docks and check out the latest in a string of murders.

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

Mr de Kock is now serving life in prison for a string of murders, kidnappings and fraud.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And funnily enough, although The Murder Bag features a string of grisly murders, I found it more likable than his earlier work, too.

The Guardian - Books

A string of senseless murders had taken the lives of some of their friends.

The New Yorker

The psychologist-detective Alex Delaware tries to solve a string of vicious murders.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of murders", ensure that the murders are perceived as related or connected in some way, either by the perpetrator, the victims, or the location.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of murders" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language such as "a series of homicides" or "multiple related killings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of murders" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a verb or preposition in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, exemplified by numerous instances in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of murders" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a series of connected killings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly within news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "a series of homicides" for academic or professional writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the murders are indeed linked in some discernible way. Common alternatives include "a wave of homicides" and "multiple murders", offering nuanced ways to describe similar scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of killings

Changes the noun from "murders" to "killings", offering a slightly broader scope.

a wave of homicides

Replaces "string" with "wave", suggesting a sudden increase in homicides.

a chain of homicides

Uses "chain" instead of "string", emphasizing the sequential link between the events.

a spate of killings

Replaces "string" with "spate", indicating a sudden burst of killings.

a rash of murders

Uses "rash" to describe a sudden and widespread occurrence of murders.

multiple murders

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the quantity of murders.

successive killings

Highlights the sequential nature of the killings.

a cluster of murders

Emphasizes the grouping or concentration of murders.

linked murders

Focuses on the connection or relationship between the murders.

related homicides

Highlights the connection or association among the homicide cases.

FAQs

What does "a string of murders" mean?

The phrase "a string of murders" refers to a series of murders that are connected or occur in close succession.

What can I say instead of "a string of murders"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of killings", "a wave of homicides", or "multiple murders" depending on the context.

Is "a string of murders" a formal way to say it?

No, "a string of murders" is considered a neutral expression, suitable for news reports and general discussions. For more formal contexts, consider "a series of homicides".

How do I use "a string of murders" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The detective was called in to investigate "a string of murders" that had occurred in the city's downtown area."