in a chain

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a chain" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a series of connected events or people. For example, you can say "The news quickly spread in a chain from one person to the next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Greece is a link in a chain.

The Guardian

The movements traveled in a chain.

The New York Times - Sports

That's several billion letters strung together in a chain.

University of California, Berkeley

12.39pm: First blood, man got all tangled in a chain.

The Guardian - Film

But she was only a link in a chain.

The New York Times

One coin after another would move in a chain reaction.

The Washington Post

The desirable number of cameras in a chain is discussed.

Advances in Space Research

Organic molecules, including fats, contain carbon atoms, often strung together in a chain.

Harvard University

The answer is that the merger will come last in a chain of hostile acquisition steps.

Harvard University

If your hotel is in a chain, think of regionalizing some of the RM functions.

Cornell University

Yae1 and Lto1 facilitate Fe-S cluster assembly on Rli1 in a chain of binding events.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a chain" to describe events, processes, or items that are connected sequentially, where one element leads to the next. For example, "The failures were the result of errors "in a chain" of actions."

Common error

Avoid using "in a chain" when describing elements that are merely grouped together without a causal or sequential relationship. Instead, use phrases like "in a group" or "as a collection."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a chain" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to describe how elements are connected sequentially or causally. It indicates that items or events are linked together in a series, similar to links in a physical chain. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a chain" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a sequential or causal connection between elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is especially prevalent in news and media, but also appears in academic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements described are genuinely linked and not merely grouped together. Alternatives like ""in a series"" or ""linked together"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using "in chain" instead of "in a chain" when describing sequential relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a series

Focuses on a sequence of events or items following one after another, emphasizing their order.

in sequence

Highlights the ordered arrangement of elements, often in a specific or predetermined manner.

linked together

Emphasizes the connection between elements, suggesting a relationship or dependency.

interconnected

Stresses the mutual connection and influence between different parts.

in a succession

Similar to "in a series" but often implies a continuous flow or progression.

one after another

Emphasizes the temporal order of events or items.

in a string

Analogous to a physical chain or string, highlighting the connected arrangement.

serially

Describes a process or arrangement that occurs one step at a time.

in a cascade

Implies a flowing sequence where one event triggers the next.

in a row

Highlights the linear arrangement of elements, often in a spatial context.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a chain" to describe a series of connected events or items. For example, "The company's success resulted from improvements "in a chain" of production processes".

What are some alternatives to "in a chain"?

Some alternatives include "in a series", "linked together", or "in sequence", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in chain" instead of "in a chain"?

While "chain" can sometimes function as an adjective (e.g., "chain reaction"), "in chain" is generally not grammatically correct when you mean to express being part of a sequential connection. Use ""in a chain"" to clearly indicate a series or sequence.

How does "in a chain" differ from "in sequence"?

"In a chain" often implies a causal or dependent relationship between elements, while ""in sequence"" primarily emphasizes the order or arrangement. A process occurring "in a chain" suggests that one step directly influences the next, whereas a process "in sequence" indicates only the order in which steps occur.