a train of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a train of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sequence or series of related things, often thoughts or events. Example: "She had a train of thoughts that led her to a surprising conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let's take the A TRAIN OF THOUGHT on to the Friday puzzle: Your thoughts?

The New York Times

A train of feet outlined the nave.

The New York Times - Arts

A train of thought immediately presents itself.

The New York Times

He is just a torso and a train of thought.

The Guardian

"It hits you like a train of false love".

The New York Times

It can trigger a train of thought," he said.

The New York Times - Science

A train of skiers passed by wearing team warm-ups.

The New York Times - Sports

And then below that in the movie is a train of samples.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Typically, microstimulation is applied to local brain regions as a train of equally spaced current pulses.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The objective of paralysis was to obtain a train-of-four (TOF) equal to zero twitches.

Annals of Intensive Care

Neuromuscular monitoring was continued until a train-of-four (TOF) ratio of ≥0.9 was achieved or the anesthetic was discontinued.

BMC Anesthesiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a train of" when you want to emphasize the sequential and connected nature of a series of events, thoughts, or objects. It adds a sense of momentum or continuity.

Common error

Avoid using "a train of" in contexts where a more literal description would be clearer and more direct. Overuse of metaphorical language can make your writing sound convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a train of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, creating a noun phrase. It modifies the subsequent noun, indicating a sequence or connected series, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "a train of thought" or "a train of events".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a train of" is a versatile expression used to describe a sequence or series of related items, events, or thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While "a series of" and "a chain of" offer similar meanings, "a train of" often emphasizes the connected and progressive nature of the sequence. When writing, use "a train of" to add a sense of momentum or continuity, but avoid overuse to maintain clarity. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Nature underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of

Replaces the metaphorical "train" with a more direct term for a sequence.

a chain of

Suggests a linked sequence, often with a cause-and-effect relationship.

a string of

Implies a linear arrangement, like beads on a string.

a sequence of

A formal term for an ordered set of things.

a succession of

Emphasizes the sequential occurrence of items.

a procession of

Evokes a formal, often ceremonial, sequence.

a stream of

Suggests a continuous flow of items.

a barrage of

Implies a forceful and overwhelming sequence.

a flurry of

Suggests a rapid and chaotic sequence.

a cascade of

Implies a downward flow or overflow of items.

FAQs

How can I use "a train of" in a sentence?

You can use "a train of" to describe a sequence or series of related things, such as "a train of thought" or "a train of events".

What phrases are similar to "a train of"?

Similar phrases include "a series of", "a chain of", or "a succession of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a train of" formal or informal?

"A train of" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

When is it best to use "a train of" instead of "a series of"?

"A train of" is best used when emphasizing the connected and sequential nature of the items, suggesting a progression or flow. "A series of" is a more general term for any sequence.