in turn

USAGE SUMMARY

'in turn' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that follows another thing as a consequence, such as a sequence of events or a chain reaction. For example, "The event caused a chain reaction, with each action in turn provoking another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When, in turn, Maj.

The New York Times

Ikey! they called in turn.

The New Yorker

He in turn was sacked.

The Economist

In turn, both disappointed him.

Independent

It got worn, in turn.

The New York Times - Arts

This, in turn, frees electrons.

The Economist

Bishop, in turn, told Hardwick.

The New Yorker

To each point in turn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She, in turn analyzes him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And built-in turn-by-turn navigation.

The New York Times

Practice emergency in-turn braking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in turn" to clearly indicate a cause-and-effect relationship where one action or event leads to another in a sequence. Ensure the context makes the order of events explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "in turn" when referring to events happening simultaneously. The phrase implies a sequential order, not concurrence. Instead, use words like "simultaneously" or "concurrently" to describe actions occurring at the same time.

Linguistic Context

"In turn" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a sequential relationship or consequence. Ludwig examples show its usage in connecting events where one leads to another, like "This, in turn, frees electrons."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, "in turn" is a grammatically correct and widely used adverbial phrase that signifies a sequential or consequential relationship between events. Appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts, it serves to clarify cause-and-effect dynamics and maintain a neutral formality. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure that "in turn" is used to denote a proper order of events, not simultaneous occurrences. Alternatives such as "successively" or "consequently" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. It is considered a "Very Common" term and useful to make your English more elegant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

successively

Emphasizes the sequential and orderly nature of events, similar to "in turn" but with a focus on order.

one after the other

Highlights the sequential aspect, making it clear that actions or events follow each other directly.

in sequence

Stresses the ordered arrangement of elements or events.

by turns

Implies alternation or rotation in performing actions or experiencing events.

respectively

Used to link items to corresponding elements in a list, showing a clear relationship.

as a result

Highlights the consequence or outcome of a preceding action or event.

consequently

Emphasizes the logical connection between cause and effect.

subsequently

Indicates that something follows at a later time, emphasizing the temporal aspect.

thereafter

Similar to subsequently, but often used in more formal contexts to denote a following event.

in reciprocation

Focuses on the idea of a return or exchange, implying a mutual action or feeling.

FAQs

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

Use "in turn" to show a sequence of events where one action leads to another. For example, "The company invested in research, which "in turn" boosted its profits."

What are some alternatives to using "in turn"?

You can use alternatives like "successively", "one after the other", or "consequently" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "in turn" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in turn" to emphasize the sequential nature of the following statement. For example, "In turn, this led to increased customer satisfaction."

What is the difference between "in turn" and "conversely"?

"In turn" indicates a sequence or consequence, while "conversely" introduces an opposite or contrasting viewpoint. They serve different purposes in structuring an argument or description.