in a predictable order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a predictable order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sequence or arrangement that follows a consistent or expected pattern. Example: "The results were presented in a predictable order, making it easy to analyze the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Clarity is achieved by providing information in a predictable order.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Deutscher has a lot of fun relating the discovery that colour words emerge in all languages in a predictable order.

The Guardian - Books

Clarity is achieved by providing information in a predictable order: successful abstracts therefore are composed of 6 ordered components which are referred to as the "abstract formula".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He found that, rather than failing simultaneously, bridge components tend to break in a predictable order, and that the failure of one triggers the failure of the next.

The Economist

He's the psychologist that opined that we all take care of a predictable set of needs in a predictable order.

Forbes

Most intriguing for linguists: These changes seem to happen in a predictable order from one generation to the next.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Our report provides new insights into development of antifolate-resistant malaria and supports the findings of McCollum et al. (10 ) that the mutations in the dhfr gene do not always occur in a predictable, ordered, stepwise manner.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It might not be for you if… You believe Western folk music is meant to be based on a seven-note scale played in a fairly predictable order, rather than what's going on here.

The Guardian - Music

Since the stimuli were presented in a regular and predictable order and timing, subjects could be thought of as being cued to respond to the target stimuli.

Plosone

My sense of the first weeks with each of my children are a kind of grey, arrhythmic montage: light and dark, wailing (theirs) and crying (mine) in no predictable order, and definitely no learning on my part, unless you count getting the World Service schedule by heart so I could tell exactly what god-awful part of the night I'd been thrown into without looking at the clock.

The Guardian - Opinion

The presidential candidates lined up in predictable order, with Hillary Clinton talking of "an erosion of our constitutional rights" and John McCain saying he was "happy .The decision is a vindication of the social conservatives' "slow squeeze" strategy on abortion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, presenting information "in a predictable order" allows your audience to anticipate the flow and easily grasp the content. For example, when writing instructions, start with necessary preparations, followed by step-by-step execution.

Common error

Don't assume that "in a predictable order" implies simplicity or lack of innovation. A predictable order can still contain complex or novel information, as long as the sequence itself is logical and expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a predictable order" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs or clauses, indicating the manner in which an action or event occurs. It serves to describe how something is arranged or progresses, emphasizing the consistent and expected nature of the sequence. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a predictable order" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a sequence or arrangement that follows a consistent and expected pattern. It is found across various contexts, including academia, news media, and science, with a generally neutral register. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure the sequence is logical and well-understood by the audience. Alternatives include "in a sequential manner" or "in a set sequence". This phrase is a valuable tool for ensuring your message is easily understood and anticipated by your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an expected sequence

Emphasizes the anticipation aspect of the order.

in a logical progression

Highlights that the order follows a clear, rational sequence.

in a sequential manner

Replaces 'predictable order' with a more general term for sequence, focusing on the ordered aspect.

in a systematic fashion

Highlights the methodical nature of the sequence.

in a set sequence

Highlights the fixed nature of the order, implying less about predictability.

in regular succession

Focuses on the continuous and orderly progression.

according to a pattern

Emphasizes the presence of a recognizable pattern, which leads to predictability.

following a schedule

Focuses on time-based order and regularity, suitable when predictability stems from a timetable.

as per established protocol

More formal, suggesting a predefined and accepted order.

by design

Highlights that the order is not accidental but intentional and planned.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in a predictable order" in my writing?

Use "in a predictable order" to describe processes, sequences, or arrangements that follow a consistent and expected pattern. For example, "The chapters of the book are structured "in a logical sequence", making it easy to follow the argument."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in a predictable order"?

You can use alternatives such as "in a sequential manner", "in a set sequence", or "according to a pattern" depending on the context.

Is "in a predictable order" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "in a predictable order" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and concisely conveys the idea of a consistent and expected sequence. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "as per established protocol" in highly formal contexts.

What does it mean when something happens "in a predictable order"?

When something happens "in a predictable order", it means it follows a sequence or arrangement that is expected and consistent, making it easy to anticipate what comes next. This can apply to events, processes, or any series of items presented in a defined sequence.