in a row

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a row" is correctly used in written English and can be used to describe a series of consecutive events or objects.
For example, "She won three gold medals in a row."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twice in a row!!

Independent

Six in a row?

The New York Times - Sports

Two gifts in a row?

The New York Times

Five dingers in a row!

The New York Times - Sports

Six pars in a row.

Independent

"It's eight in a row".

The New York Times - Sports

That's seven in a row.

The New York Times

"Two questions in a row.

The New Yorker

Three botched snaps in a row!

The New York Times

The Ravens lost three in a row.

The New York Times

I read it twice in a row.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a row", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being repeated or arranged consecutively. For example, "She attended three meetings in a row" clarifies that the meetings, not something else, were consecutive.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what elements are "in a row". For example, instead of "They were all tired in a row", specify "They were all tired for three days in a row" to eliminate confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a row" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that something occurs consecutively or in an uninterrupted sequence. Ludwig examples show its usage to describe wins, losses, or any repeated event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a row" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe consecutive occurrences or arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While simple, it's important to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is "in a row" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "consecutively" or "successively" exist, but "in a row" maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consecutively

This is a single-word adverb that directly conveys the idea of things happening one after the other without interruption.

successively

Similar to "consecutively", this adverb emphasizes the sequential and uninterrupted nature of events.

one after the other

This phrase breaks down the idea of consecutiveness into simpler, more explicit terms.

in succession

A more formal way of saying "in a row", emphasizing the sequence of events.

running

This single word alternative suggests a continuous series, often used in sports contexts.

straight

This alternative, similar to "running", indicates a continuous, unbroken sequence.

on end

Focuses on the uninterrupted continuation of something, emphasizing the duration.

in sequence

Highlights the ordered arrangement of items or events.

in order

Emphasizes the correct or expected arrangement of items, implying a specific sequence.

aligned

This alternative focuses on the physical arrangement of objects in a straight line.

FAQs

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

Use "in a row" to indicate consecutive occurrences or arrangements. For example, "The team won five games "in a row"" or "The books were placed "in a row" on the shelf".

What are some alternatives to "in a row"?

Alternatives include "consecutively", "successively", or "one after the other". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'in a roll' instead of "in a row"?

No, "in a roll" is not a standard or correct alternative to "in a row" in this context. "In a roll" typically means experiencing a period of success, not a consecutive sequence.

What's the difference between "in a row" and "in succession"?

"In a row" and "in succession" are largely interchangeable, but "in succession" often implies a more formal or structured sequence compared to the more general "in a row".