a succession of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a succession of errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of mistakes or failures that occur one after another. Example: "The project faced significant delays due to a succession of errors in the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He added: "I can't believe this was a succession of errors because each modification works in the same sense.

The New York Times

On the course he started the day well enough, birdying his first hole, but then a succession of errors saw him drop three shots in the next three.

The Guardian - Sport

After ten minutes of hurrying the visitors' defence into a succession of errors, the former Fleetwood Town striker latched onto a Marc Albrighton cross, glancing his header beyond Costel Pantilimon before somersaulting towards the corner flag.

Independent

Ireland spent most of the first half surviving between their own 22 and five-metre lines but a succession of errors by the Springboks left them 6-3 behind at the interval after two penalties by Johnny Sexton.

Independent

She broke again with some help from a favourable net cord for 3-0, while a succession of errors from her German opponent helped her take game five on her way to a clean sweep in the first set.

Independent

There followed a succession of errors, which turned what should have been a minor problem into a grisly massacre of the innocents, and still the ship continued on its course, until finally it came to a stop at North Brother Island.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Given first billing on No1 Court, Li produced a perplexing, scattergun performance to crash 7-6, 7-6 to the world No43, serving poorly and handing her pugnacious opponent victory with a succession of wild errors at crucial moments.

The Guardian - Sport

A succession of handling errors gifted the Wallabies the initiative, and Leigh Halfpenny's try in the 83rd minute came too late to deny Robbie Deans' men.

BBC

The Warriors were inviting pressure though with a succession of handling errors and charged-down kicks, and Hanrahan booted the visitors back in front when Glasgow conceded a penalty from a scrum.

BBC

Ireland were comprehensive winners at the Aviva Stadium, capitalising on a succession of England errors through the boot of Jonny Sexton and scoring the only try when Robbie Henshaw touched down.

BBC

But a sudden succession of errors from the 30-year-old gave Murray a 6-5 lead which, despite subsequently offering up two break points to the Frenchman, proved decisive.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a succession of errors", be specific about the consequences or impact of these errors to provide context and clarity.

Common error

While "a succession of errors" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "a series of failures" or "an accumulation of faults" in professional reports or academic papers to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a succession of errors" functions as a noun phrase that describes a series of mistakes or failures occurring one after another. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a succession of errors" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a series of mistakes or failures that occur one after another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific settings. Usage is most common in news and media sources. When using the phrase, providing context about the consequences can enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of blunders

Replaces "errors" with "blunders", implying more significant or careless mistakes.

a chain of mistakes

Uses "chain" instead of "succession", suggesting a linked sequence of errors.

a string of failures

Substitutes "errors" with "failures", emphasizing the negative outcomes of the mistakes.

an accumulation of faults

Replaces "succession" with "accumulation" and "errors" with "faults", indicating a gradual build-up of problems.

a sequence of slip-ups

Uses "sequence" and "slip-ups" to convey a less formal tone, referring to minor errors.

a catalog of missteps

Implies a detailed or extensive listing of errors, using more formal language.

a cascade of inaccuracies

Suggests that one error leads to many, creating a rapid and escalating series of mistakes. The word "inaccuracies" refers specifically to lack of precision.

a comedy of errors

This idiomatic expression implies a series of ridiculous or farcical mistakes, often with humorous consequences.

a litany of transgressions

Replaces the initial phrase with more legal context where the errors become transgressions of laws or regulations.

a regrettable series of incidents

Substitutes both words with broader terms that mitigate impact, used often in professional context.

FAQs

How can I use "a succession of errors" in a sentence?

You can use "a succession of errors" to describe a series of mistakes that happen one after another. For example: "The project failed due to "a succession of errors" in planning and execution."

What are some alternatives to "a succession of errors"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a series of mistakes", "a chain of failures", or "an accumulation of faults".

Is it better to say "a succession of errors" or "a series of errors"?

Both "a succession of errors" and "a series of errors" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "Succession" might imply a slightly more direct sequence than "series".

When is it appropriate to use "a succession of errors" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a succession of errors" in various contexts, including news reports, project analyses, and general discussions of failures. However, in highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives depending on the specific type of error.