certain sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain sequence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a specific but unspecified order or arrangement of items or events. Example: "The experiment required a certain sequence of steps to achieve accurate results." Alternative expressions include "specific order" and "particular arrangement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you want the bundles scanned in a certain sequence, you can number the index cards.

The New York Times - Tech

student, and it has to be done in a certain sequence.

Princeton University

But some calculations must be done in a certain sequence, and part two cannot be done before part three.

The New York Times

Farmers plowed the soil several times, broadcast seeds, and used a certain sequence of cropping and fallowing.

Britannica

These enzyme molecules function as high-specificity scissors, able to snip a certain sequence of protein in two.

Stanford University

But can the notion of an album -- a collection of songs sold as a single unit, to be heard in a certain sequence -- survive the Internet?

The New York Times

With the picture of airflow we get from the C.F.D., we can tell the driver that the ideal passing maneuver is a certain sequence of positions".

The New York Times - Science

Artifactual covariations arising from close evolultionary relationships among certain sequence subgroups were eliminated using empirically derived sequence diversity thresholds.

Journal of Molecular Biology

The stepper motor has 4 coils that when sent certain signals in a certain sequence would step the motor clockwise or anticlockwise either in full or half steps.

Cornell University

This is in contrast for instance to the classical AS algorithm, where it is necessary to choose carefully a certain sequence of parameters, the so-called annealing schedule.

Journal of Computational Physics

Moreover, if one tries to evaluate the true values of the input parameters at the same cost and effort, the determination of priorities should follow a certain sequence.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain sequence" when you want to indicate that a specific, but perhaps not explicitly defined, order is important. This phrase is useful in instructions, explanations, and descriptions where order matters.

Common error

Avoid using "certain sequence" when the order is arbitrary or irrelevant. If the order doesn't matter, use a more general term like "collection" or "group" instead. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or rigid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain sequence" functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object, subject complement, or object of a preposition. It denotes a specific, though possibly unspecified, order of elements. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a common expression across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain sequence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a specific order of elements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability across various domains. It is used in instructions, explanations, and descriptions where the arrangement of elements is important. While it is suitable for different types of writing, it is important to use the term only when the order is truly relevant. Alternatives include "specific order" or "particular sequence". Understanding these nuances helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific order

Changes "certain" to "specific", emphasizing definiteness.

particular sequence

Replaces "certain" with "particular", indicating a specific but not necessarily known sequence.

defined sequence

Substitutes "certain" with "defined", suggesting a sequence that has been established or determined.

set order

Uses "set" instead of "certain", implying a prearranged or fixed order.

fixed sequence

Replaces "certain" with "fixed", indicating an unchangeable order.

prescribed order

Changes "certain" to "prescribed", suggesting an order that is required or recommended.

designated sequence

Uses "designated" instead of "certain", implying the sequence has been officially chosen.

established sequence

Replaces "certain" with "established", indicating a sequence that is well-recognized.

required order

Changes "certain" to "required", implying the sequence is mandatory.

specific succession

Replaces "sequence" with "succession", emphasizing the order in which things follow each other.

FAQs

How can I use "certain sequence" in a sentence?

You can use "certain sequence" to describe a particular order of steps, events, or items. For example: "The experiment requires a "certain sequence" of actions to produce accurate results."

What is an alternative to "certain sequence"?

Alternatives to "certain sequence" include "specific order", "particular sequence", or "defined sequence". The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "certain sequence"?

Use "certain sequence" when the precise order or arrangement is important but not necessarily known or specified in detail. It implies that the order matters, even if it's not fully defined.

What's the difference between "certain sequence" and ""specific order""?

"Certain sequence" suggests a particular order without necessarily implying it's explicitly known or defined, while ""specific order"" implies a more precise and defined arrangement.