chain of events

USAGE SUMMARY

'chain of events' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the order of a series of related occurrences or incidents. For example: "The chain of events leading up to the collapse of the company was a long and complex one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a chain of events.

The New York Times

A chain of events transformed him.

The New Yorker

Here's a typical chain of events.

The New York Times

What disastrous chain of events might unfold?

The Guardian

This sparks a comic chain of events.

The Guardian - Books

There's no real logic in that chain of events.

The Guardian - Business

Investigators quickly put together a chilling chain of events.

The New York Times

That set off a calamitous chain of events.

The New York Times

It was just a natural chain of events.

The New York Times

The chain of events leading to Yang's arrest are hazy.

The Guardian

There's a chain of events with boys too.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "chain of events", ensure you clearly articulate the causal relationships between each event to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Don't assume your audience understands the chronological order of the "chain of events". Clearly present the sequence to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of events" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a series of connected occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain of events" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a sequence of connected happenings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Understanding the nuances of this phrase, as highlighted in this guide, can enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Alternatives like "series of occurrences" or "sequence of incidents" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to articulate the causal relationships within the "chain of events" to ensure your readers grasp the connection between each occurrence. By following these guidelines, you can effectively employ this phrase and avoid common pitfalls in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of occurrences

Emphasizes a set of related things happening one after another.

sequence of incidents

Highlights the order in which different events happened.

succession of happenings

Focuses on the following of one event after another.

course of actions

Suggests a planned set of events carried out.

train of circumstances

Implies that the events are linked and inevitable.

string of episodes

Suggests a series of events, possibly disconnected.

parade of incidents

Implies a public display of events.

cycle of situations

Describes a repetitive pattern of occurrences.

progression of developments

Emphasizes how events unfold and build upon each other.

connected incidents

Highlights the relationship and interlinking of separate events.

FAQs

How can I use "chain of events" in a sentence?

Use "chain of events" to describe a sequence of connected occurrences, as in, "The investigation revealed a complex "chain of events" leading to the accident".

What phrases are similar to "chain of events"?

Similar phrases include "series of occurrences", "sequence of incidents", or "succession of happenings", all suggesting a connected order of incidents.

What is the difference between "chain of events" and "series of events"?

While both refer to sequences, "chain of events" implies a stronger causal link between the events, whereas "series of events" can be more loosely connected.

Is it redundant to say "long chain of events"?

While not strictly redundant, consider whether "long" adds meaningful information. Often, the phrase "chain of events" already implies a connected and potentially complex sequence, making "long" unnecessary.