in sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in sequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events, actions, or items that follow one after another in a specific order. Example: "Please arrange the documents in sequence before submitting them for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only in sequence.

The New York Times

You know, in sequence".

The New Yorker

Things take place in sequence.

The New Yorker

The cues come in sequence.

The New York Times

I don't write in sequence.

The Guardian - Books

These she insists on reading in sequence.

The New York Times - Books

Let us ponder these in sequence.

The New Yorker

Everything in sequence, calm as you can.

The New York Times - Magazine

They used the bathrooms in sequence.

The New York Times

He even recited them in sequence.

The Guardian

It all has to be in sequence.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in sequence" to emphasize the importance of order, especially when the outcome depends on the correct arrangement.

Common error

Avoid using "in sequence" when the order is not important or has no impact on the outcome. Choose a different phrase if the order is arbitrary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in sequence" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that actions or events occur one after another in a specific order. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts to highlight the ordered nature of processes or narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in sequence" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to denote events, actions, or items following one another in a specific order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and employed across various contexts, from news and media to science and general writing. While alternatives like "sequentially" or "in order" exist, "in sequence" offers a clear and direct way to emphasize the importance of order. To use it effectively, ensure the order is logical, and avoid using it when order is irrelevant. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, you can confidently integrate "in sequence" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequentially

This alternative is an adverb that directly indicates an order of succession.

in order

This alternative suggests a planned or intentional arrangement.

one after another

This alternative emphasizes the individual occurrence of items with temporal succession.

in succession

This alternative highlights the continuous following of one item after another, often without a break.

in turn

This alternative implies a rotation or pre-defined ordering among multiple items.

step by step

This alternative focuses on a deliberate and methodical progression.

in chronological order

This alternative is typically used when talking about events ordered by time.

consecutively

This alternative focuses on elements which follow directly, without gaps.

running

This alternative implies continuous or uninterrupted succession.

serially

This alternative indicates a structured series or arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "in sequence" to describe processes or actions that need to happen in a particular order. For example: "The instructions must be followed "in sequence" to ensure the device works correctly."

What's the difference between "in sequence" and "in order"?

"In order" generally suggests a planned or arranged sequence, whereas "in sequence" simply means following one after another. You could say: "The steps should be performed "in sequence", as they are "in order" of importance."

What are some alternatives to using "in sequence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "sequentially", "one after another", or "in succession".

Is it always necessary to specify an order when using "in sequence"?

While not always necessary, specifying the order clarifies the meaning and avoids ambiguity. For instance: "The events occurred "in sequence", starting with the initial trigger."