in the sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the sequence" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when indicating the order of a list of items, for example: "The steps to baking a cake are as follows: mix the ingredients, pour them into a cake pan, and bake in the oven in the sequence indicated in the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ZZ participated in the sequence alignment.

BMC Genomics

The third in the sequence, "No.

The New York Times - Arts

It may not be in the sequence.

The New York Times

Nothing shot-like in the sequence.

The New York Times - Sports

Every step in the sequence points at something that's broken.

The New Yorker

There is a gap in the sequence of killings.

The Guardian - Opinion

He even essays some split screens in the sequence.

The New York Times

The first course in the sequence is 18.155 Differential Analysis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The first course in the sequence is 8.01T Physics I.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

[ Where should I be placed in the sequence above ] ?

Duke University

SS participated in the sequence alignment.

Mathematical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, clearly define what constitutes the "sequence" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, is it chronological, alphabetical, or based on importance?

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands the sequence you are referring to. Explicitly state or imply the criteria that define the order to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the sequence" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to specify the order or arrangement of something. Ludwig provides several examples where it clarifies the positioning within a set of events or steps.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the sequence" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to specify the order or arrangement of items or steps. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and academia, reflecting its versatility. While "in the sequence" is generally acceptable, be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure the sequence is clearly defined for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in succession

Replaces "sequence" with "succession", emphasizing the following of one thing after another.

in order

Focuses on the arrangement or disposition of items, rather than the series itself.

sequentially

Adverbial form emphasizing the step-by-step nature.

in serial order

Highlights the arrangement based on a series or succession.

as a series

Shifts the focus to the concept of a series rather than the specific placement within it.

step by step

Emphasizes the incremental progression through the actions or items.

one after another

Describes the action of following something else, replacing the more concise "in sequence".

in turn

Highlights taking positions or doing something by rotation from the first to the last.

by stages

Focuses on the progressive phases or steps.

according to the order

Implies alignment with a pre-defined or understood arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the sequence" to describe the order or arrangement of elements. For example, "The images should be displayed "in the sequence" they were taken."

What is a good alternative to "in the sequence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in succession", "in order", or "sequentially", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "in the sequence"?

While grammatically correct, using "in the sequence" can be redundant if the order is already clearly implied. In such cases, a simpler phrase might be more effective.

What does "in the sequence" emphasize compared to "in order"?

"In the sequence" typically emphasizes a predefined or expected order, whereas "in order" can simply refer to any arrangement, whether established or not.