chain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chain" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it when referring to a series of connected links or elements, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in discussions about supply chains or social chains. Example: "The supply chain was disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, affecting the delivery of goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Across the wider Whitbread group, third-quarter comparable sales were up 3.3%, with the group's Premier Inn hotel chain making gains against declining revenues in the hotel industry.

The Guardian - Business

As products move through the supply chain, the tax paid on the products by acquiring merchants can be deducted from the tax that the merchants then charge to their customers.

The Guardian - Money

Walmart was cited for achieving its commitment to reduce packaging across its global supply chain by 5%, and for its goal of increasing its use of postconsumer recycled plastic in products and packaging by 3bn lbs by 2020.

The Guardian

"Geiz ist geil" (stinginess is cool) has caught on ever since the electronics chain Saturn started saying it 10 years ago.

The Guardian

Nothing beats the feeling of winning a new account, whether it's a local store or a national chain.

The Guardian

In a visit to Scotland on Thursday, Cameron will warn against what he will describe as a coalition of chaos with the SNP acting as "the chain to Labour's wrecking ball, running right through our economic recovery – and it will be you who pays the price".

The Guardian

Those agencies follow a defined oversight chain, detailing who in the executive branch can approve intelligence operations and who in the legislature must be informed about them.

The Guardian

Blockbuster has roughly 3,500 remaining stores in the US, making it the country's last major DVD franchise – the rival chain Hollywood Video collapsed earlier this year.

The Guardian - Business

TSB bank, property website Zoopla and the budget hotel chain easyHotel are all set to join the market in the coming weeks, despite waning appetite from investors bombarded by new offers.

The Guardian - Business

The desired effect was achieved, with Burberry committing to rid its manufacturing process of toxic, perflourinated chemicals by 2020, as well as increasing supply chain transparency.

The Guardian

So in schools, the chain isn't broken between poetry and its audience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, clarify the type of "chain" being discussed (e.g. supply "chain", chemical "chain") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "chain" when simpler words like "series", "sequence", or "string" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less precise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chain" is as a noun, referring to a series of connected links. It can also function as a verb, meaning to fasten or connect with a chain. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "chain" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, frequently used to describe interconnected links, sequences, or business establishments. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English. Common in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, "chain" holds a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse forms of communication. When considering alternative phrases, options such as "series", "sequence", and "string" can provide nuanced meanings, depending on the intended emphasis. Writers should avoid overuse and specify context to improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

linkage

Highlights the connection between elements, suggesting a relationship or interdependence.

series

Focuses on sequence or order rather than physical connection.

string

Highlights a linear arrangement, often implying a connection or dependence.

sequence

Emphasizes the arrangement of items, not necessarily their linkage.

concatenation

Refers to the act of linking things together, often in a logical or sequential manner.

succession

Implies a following of one thing after another, emphasizing the order of events.

train

Emphasizes a connected series, often moving or progressing.

connection

General term for a relationship between two or more things.

web

Highlights interconnectedness, but with a less linear structure than a "chain".

nexus

Implies a central link or connection point.

FAQs

How to use "chain" in a sentence?

You can use "chain" to refer to a metal "chain", like "He secured his bike with a heavy chain". It can also refer to a series of events, like "one event led to a chain of unfortunate circumstances" or a business, like "a popular restaurant chain".

What can I say instead of "chain" when referring to a series of events?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sequence", "series", or "succession".

Is it correct to use "chain" to describe a sequence of actions?

Yes, "chain" can be used metaphorically to describe a series or sequence of actions or events, especially when they are linked or interdependent, for example, "a chain of reactions".

What's the difference between a "chain" and a "network"?

A "chain" implies a linear, sequential connection, while a "network" suggests a more complex, interconnected web of relationships.