a third reactor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a third reactor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the existence or addition of a third reactor in a series or group of reactors, often in contexts related to energy production or nuclear facilities. Example: "The government has approved the construction of a third reactor at the power plant to meet increasing energy demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A third reactor was mothballed in 1992.

The New York Times

A third reactor is being decommissioned.

The New York Times

The control rods at a third reactor may be melting.

The New Yorker

A PackBot entered a third reactor building late Sunday.

The New York Times

Later Monday, the government said cooling systems at a third reactor had failed.

The New York Times

In 2000, Brookhaven officials shut down a third reactor, a small one used in medical research.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Today, the unfinished hulk of a fifth reactor -- the last attempted -- sits a few hundred yards from the explosion site.

The New York Times

A second reactor, inactive since 1969, was also discharging radioactive contaminants in the soil and ground water.

The New York Times - Science

The construction of a first reactor to produce fissile material and associated facilities had got under way the year before.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A fourth reactor that was not operating at the time of the accident has also been wrecked.

The New York Times

He did not give a reason for the delay, but announced that Mr. Khatami confirmed during the visit today that "as soon as the equipment for the first reactor leaves the factory, a contract for a second reactor will be signed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to multiple reactors, ensure clarity by specifying the number (e.g., first, second, third) to avoid ambiguity, especially in technical or regulatory contexts.

Common error

Avoid using ordinal numbers imprecisely. If a plant only has two reactors, avoid mentioning "a third reactor" unless you're discussing plans for future expansion or a hypothetical scenario.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a third reactor" functions as a noun phrase, where 'third' acts as a determiner specifying the ordinal position of the reactor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a third reactor" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to specify a particular reactor within a series, predominantly in the context of nuclear facilities. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's validity and usability in English. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific articles, indicating its relevance in discussions about energy, safety, and construction. While alternatives like "another reactor" or "an additional reactor" exist, the specific ordinal number provides clarity and precision, especially in technical contexts. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the existence of the reactors being referenced to avoid potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another reactor

Replaces "third" with a more general term for an additional reactor.

a subsequent reactor

Substitutes "third" with a term indicating sequence.

an additional reactor unit

Specifies that it is a unit being added.

a further reactor

Uses "further" to indicate an additional reactor.

a new reactor

Focuses on the reactor being new or recently built.

the next reactor

Highlights the sequence, emphasizing that it follows the previous ones.

a supplementary reactor

Implies that the reactor provides extra capacity or support.

a tertiary reactor

Uses "tertiary" as a more formal synonym for "third".

an extra reactor

Indicates an additional or surplus reactor.

a reactor number three

Rephrases the phrase using "number three" instead of "third".

FAQs

How is "a third reactor" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a third reactor" is often used to describe the addition, decommissioning, or issues related to a nuclear reactor in a series. For instance, 'The company is considering building "another reactor" to increase power generation.'

What are some alternatives to saying "a third reactor"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an additional reactor", "a subsequent reactor", or "a tertiary reactor", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a third reactor"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, using "third" as an ordinal adjective to specify which reactor is being referred to.

What's the difference between "a second reactor" and "a third reactor"?

The difference is simply the numerical order. "A second reactor" refers to the reactor that comes after the first, while "a third reactor" refers to the reactor that comes after the second. Each phrase indicates a different position in a sequence of reactors.