like pearls on a string

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like pearls on a string" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe things that are arranged in a linear or orderly fashion, often implying beauty or value. Example: "The children lined up in the hallway, like pearls on a string, ready for their field trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

While that show presented one Vermeer after another, like pearls on a string or a row of motionless beacons, the Met's exhibition is like a roving spotlight that almost giddily illuminates a succession of artists, mediums and generations.

The New York Times - Arts

At a first glance it looks as if earthquake foci line up along this zone like pearls on a string.

University of California, Berkeley

It was a focus for the communities, which were linked by the line, like pearls on a string".

The Guardian - Opinion

Two dimensionally distributed Au clusters are found to be transformed into long cluster chains of seemingly helical pattern in the organic matrix like pearls on a string.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

After each student sang an aria from a work by Handel, Bach, Benjamin Britten, Johann Strauss, or Georges Bizet, Costanzo offered advice, breaking the pieces into sections and suggesting ways to shape vowels, add consonants "like pearls on a string," and use rests to express emotion.

Princeton University

Eighteenth-century opera is structured, as Ms. Saffer put it, "like pearls on a string": a chain of da capo arias, each adhering to a pattern echoed in modern-day pop songs, with a verse, a bridge and a reprise (ABA form).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Lastly, Pc1 waves with frequencies ranging between 0.2 and 5 Hz were observed in a pearls-on-a-string configuration.

Earth, Planets and Space

The journey is rich in history, art, spectacular ecclesiastical architecture and stunning landscapes, which the single-track railway links together like pearls on an iron string.

The Guardian - Travel

Its appearance was very unusual it comprised at least a dozen active cometary nuclei lined up like glowing pearls on a string.

Britannica

Mother Nature does not know more patterns than Justin Peck does: circles and spirals and triangles and grids and arrows and rickrack and pearls on a string.

The New Yorker

Think of episodes as pearls on a string.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the simile "like pearls on a string" when you want to evoke a sense of beauty, order, and connection within a linear arrangement. It's particularly effective when describing elements that are individually valuable or attractive.

Common error

Avoid using "like pearls on a string" solely to describe a sequence if the individual elements lack a sense of value or beauty. The simile implies that each item is precious or significant, so ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like pearls on a string" functions primarily as a simile. It's used to create a vivid comparison between a series of items or events and the image of pearls arranged on a string, emphasizing their sequential arrangement and often implying beauty or value. Ludwig provides several examples across diverse contexts that confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "like pearls on a string" is a descriptive phrase used to illustrate a sequential arrangement, often implying both beauty and value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While grammatically sound and generally acceptable, careful consideration should be given to ensure the connotation of value is appropriate for the described elements. Alternatives like "in a linear sequence" or "one after another" may be suitable in more formal contexts where vivid imagery is less desirable. This phrase appears to be used less often nowadays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arranged sequentially

Highlights the intentional arrangement of the items.

in a linear sequence

Focuses on the arrangement in a line, without the aesthetic connotation.

in a row

Similar to linear sequence, but more general.

one after another

Highlights the sequential occurrence more than the arrangement.

a sequence of items

Neutral and descriptive, lacking the simile's imagery.

linked together

Emphasizes the connection between the items in the series.

in succession

Focuses on the order in which things happen or appear.

in a progressive series

Emphasizes the development or progression through the series.

chain of events

Similar to string of connected events, often implying causality.

string of connected events

More specific to events, rather than objects, being connected.

FAQs

How can I use "like pearls on a string" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe items or events arranged sequentially, suggesting beauty and order. For instance, "The towns along the coast were situated like "pearls on a string"."

What does the simile "like pearls on a string" imply?

It implies that the items or events being described are not only arranged in a linear fashion but also possess individual value or beauty, much like pearls on a necklace.

What are some alternative phrases to "like pearls on a string"?

Alternatives include "in a "linear sequence"", "one after another", or "in a row", though these lack the specific imagery and connotation of value.

Is it appropriate to use "like pearls on a string" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone. In highly formal or scientific contexts, a more literal description might be preferable. However, it is suitable for descriptive writing or contexts where a touch of imagery is desired.