chain reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'chain reaction' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which one event causes another event to occur, which then causes another event to occur, and so on. For example, "The news of the scandalous event quickly spread, triggering a chain reaction that resulted in a major political crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chain Reaction is too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That started a chain reaction.

The New York Times

That began a chain reaction.

The New York Times

That causes a chain reaction.

The Economist

It's like a chain reaction".

The New York Times

A chain reaction of learning.

The Guardian

Chain reaction sequences 295 1295.

Stanford University

Then, the chain reaction begins.

Harvard Business Review

The chain reaction is clear.

Harvard Business Review

Is the same chain reaction at work?

The Economist

"It's a chain reaction," Mr. Sloss said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chain reaction" to describe processes where each step directly initiates the next, ensuring the metaphor accurately reflects the interconnectedness of the events.

Common error

Avoid using "chain reaction" simply as a synonym for 'sequence' or 'series' without a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the events. Opt for more precise language if the connection is weak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain reaction" functions primarily as a noun, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a sequence of events where each event causes the next, propagating a series of effects. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples showing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chain reaction" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to depict a series of events, each triggering the next, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Academic writings, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig. When writing, ensure the events described have a clear cause-and-effect relationship and remember that alternatives like "ripple effect" or "domino effect", might sometimes be more suitable depending on the context you're trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of events

Similar meaning, but less intense implication of causality.

ripple effect

Emphasizes the spreading consequences of an initial event.

domino effect

Suggests a series of inevitable and sequential collapses or consequences.

snowball effect

Highlights how something grows rapidly and significantly from a small beginning.

cascade effect

Focuses on a downward progression of effects, often implying abundance or intensity.

knock-on effect

Indicates indirect or secondary consequences.

sequence of events

A neutral description without the implication of causality.

series of events

Similar to 'sequence of events' but may imply a predetermined order.

unfolding events

Focuses on the gradual revelation or development of a situation.

consecutive actions

Highlights actions occurring one after another, without necessarily implying causality.

FAQs

How can I use "chain reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "chain reaction" to describe a series of events where each event directly causes the next, such as, "The scandal caused a "chain reaction" of resignations within the company".

What phrases are similar to "chain reaction"?

Similar phrases include "ripple effect", "domino effect", and "snowball effect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to use "chain reaction" for any sequence of events?

While "chain reaction" can refer to any sequence, it's most appropriate when each event directly triggers the subsequent one. If the connection is weaker, consider using "sequence of events" or "series of events".

What's the difference between "chain reaction" and ""domino effect""?

"Chain reaction" implies a direct causal link between events, while ""domino effect"" specifically suggests a series of inevitable collapses or consequences triggered by a single initial event.