in a linear sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a linear sequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items or events that are arranged or occur in a straight line or a specific order. Example: "The numbers were arranged in a linear sequence from one to ten."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The heart consists of four chambers arranged in a linear sequence.

Britannica

Photographs from a rare period publication that documented both sides of the street from Washington Square to 93rd Street are displayed in a linear sequence that includes a view of the former B. Altman building, in which the Graduate Center is now located.

The New York Times

Students conduct experiments, collect data, explain, and draw conclusions in a linear sequence.

International Journal of STEM Education

However, it is a framework that suggests each of the seven stages should happen in a linear sequence.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

First, the three domains S, P1, and P2 are arranged in a linear sequence in HEV-CP.

Biophysics Reports

Another recent study found that college students interpret the nature of speciation differently depending on whether the evolutionary tree depicts the taxa arranged in a linear sequence along a single branch, as in parts of the hominid tree (Figure 5), or in a branching (cladogram) format, as in the other trees discussed here.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A century ago, paleontologists typically depicted the evolutionary pattern of fossil horses in North America as a linear sequence from smaller ancestor to progressively larger descendent (Fig. 2), which fit well with a concept popular during the nineteenth century called orthogenesis, or "straight-line evolution" ("ortho-," Gr., straight, direct; "-genesis," Gr., origin).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

For each fragment S k i 1, …, i k j 1, …, j k in the queue, a linear sequence of operations is carried out (central rectangular nodes, Figure 3).

BMC Systems Biology

Thus, to summarize our current state of knowledge, instead of a linear sequence in which ancestral species evolve directly into their descendants, the evolutionary tree of horses is bushy, with many species overlapping in time, multiple originations, and frequent extinctions.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Before the intervention, when asked to represent their understanding of SPs, four out of nine groups drew a linear sequence in the following order: ask a question, determine the problem, collect data, construct a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, analyze the data, and communicate the results.

International Journal of STEM Education

Progressively shifting the position of the sequencing primer and repeating the ligation round using ten cycles each time yields color calls, which can be decoded to obtain a linear sequence in color space.

Biotechnology journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a linear sequence" to clearly convey an ordered progression or arrangement, especially when describing processes, steps, or arrangements where order matters.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a linear sequence automatically implies a direct causal relationship. Just because events occur "in a linear sequence" doesn't mean each event directly causes the next; there might be other factors at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a linear sequence" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how something is arranged or occurs. Ludwig AI examples show its use across diverse contexts, from biological processes to historical depictions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

72%

News & Media

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a linear sequence" serves to describe elements arranged or occurring in a straight line or a specific order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. While it doesn't automatically imply causality, it is a useful way to describe ordered arrangements and processes. When writing, ensure clarity by reserving it for situations where the sequential nature is key. Alternatives like "sequentially arranged" and "in serial order" offer similar meaning with subtle variations in tone. Its high frequency in science underscores its role in describing ordered scientific processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arranged linearly

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of a straight-line arrangement.

in serial order

Replaces "linear" with "serial", emphasizing the step-by-step nature.

sequentially arranged

Focuses on the arrangement of items according to a specific order.

in a consecutive order

Highlights the uninterrupted flow of elements.

in ordered succession

Highlights the sequence and the following of one element after another.

in a progressive manner

Emphasizes the forward movement or development.

in a step-by-step fashion

Brings attention to the incremental progression.

in a direct line

Emphasizes the straight-line aspect of the arrangement.

in a chain

Uses a simpler metaphor to convey the idea of elements linked together.

in succession

Condenses the phrase to focus solely on the following of one element after another.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a linear sequence" to describe any set of items or events that are arranged or occur one after another. For example: "The instructions are presented in a linear sequence to ensure no steps are missed."

What are some alternatives to "in a linear sequence"?

Some alternatives include "sequentially arranged", "in serial order", or "in a consecutive order". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Does "in a linear sequence" imply a causal relationship?

Not necessarily. While events "in a linear sequence" occur one after another, it doesn't automatically mean that one event causes the next. Causation requires further evidence.

Is it appropriate to use "in a linear sequence" in formal writing?

Yes, "in a linear sequence" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific, technical, or academic contexts where precise descriptions are important. However, you could also replace it with "sequentially arranged" for an even more formal tone.