permutation

USAGE SUMMARY

'permutation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the possibility or number of different ways something can be arranged, usually referring to a different order of things, such as words, numbers or letters. For example: "After many permutations, I finally settled on a unique combination of words for my password."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are dozens of schools offering every possible permutation of tuition and course, from a three-hour try-out upwards (from beginner to winner, as they say), as well as shops selling and renting equipment.

The Guardian - Travel

It's known alternatively as CFOP, an acronym for the steps involved: cross, first two layers, orientation of the last layer and permutation of the last layer.

The Guardian - Tech

Every permutation of black trouser is available, from stretch jeans to cashmere pants, and they start at £30, so snap up what you can.

The Guardian - Travel

Finding a permutation of appointments that ensures fair representation of different areas of Europe, countries of different sizes and major political groups makes this process a bit like solving a Rubik's cube.

The Economist

He saw that New Labour's arc was over by 2010, and that yet another permutation of the party had to appear.

The Economist

But to organise contests involving over 36,000 candidates and every imaginable permutation of electoral alliances in just four months proved beyond the capacity of a CNE directorate that cheerfully admitted to no prior experience.The Supreme Court was ruling on an emergency injunction brought by a human-rights group and a voters' organisation.

The Economist

So taking NASDAQ and LSE out of the equation will still allow plenty of permutation among stock exchanges seeking long-term partners.

The Economist

Tampa Bay's victory is a win for fans in Pittsburgh, Kansas City and San Diego as well.ADDENDUM: A number of commenters at Baseball Think Factory have noted that the probability of any single permutation of events out of nearly infinite possibilities is infinitesimally small, but one of those highly unlikely combinations will always have to come to fruition.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Moving in the other direction, McGee (1996) shows that every permutation-invariant operation can be defined in terms of operations with an intuitively logical character (identity, substitution of variables, finite or infinite disjunction, negation, and finite or infinite existential quantification).

SEP

However, as Gómez-Torrente points out, by concentrating on the fixation of reference (or semantic value) rather than sense, Hacking opens himself up to an objection not unlike the objection to permutation-invariance approaches we considered above (see also Sainsbury 2001, 369).

SEP

Tarski 1986 is a brief and cogent exposition of the permutation-invariance approach.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mathematical or computational contexts, ensure that you clarify whether you're referring to a "permutation" with or without repetition, as this significantly affects the calculation of possible arrangements.

Common error

Avoid using "permutation" when the order of elements doesn't matter. "Permutations" are order-sensitive, while combinations are not. For example, selecting a team of players is a combination, whereas arranging a race lineup is a permutation.

Linguistic Context

The noun "permutation" functions as a description of an arrangement or ordering. According to Ludwig, it signifies one of the ways something exists or the ways a set of objects can be ordered. It's crucial in contexts requiring ordered arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permutation" is a grammatically correct noun frequently used to describe the different possible arrangements of a set of objects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It's prevalent in formal contexts such as science, news, and business, indicating a technical and precise usage. Common errors include confusing it with combinations, where order is not important. Related terms include "rearrangement" and "alteration". Understanding the proper context and implications is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rearrangement

Focuses on the act of changing the arrangement of elements.

reordering

Highlights the act of changing the sequence of elements.

transposition

Refers to the act of swapping or exchanging positions.

alteration

Highlights a change or modification in something.

variation

Emphasizes a different form or version of something.

transformation

Implies a significant change in form or appearance.

combination

Highlights a specific arrangement or grouping of elements.

reshuffling

Suggests a reorganization, often in a random manner.

sequence

Implies a particular order or arrangement of things.

interchange

Focuses on the swapping of positions or roles.

FAQs

How is "permutation" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, a "permutation" refers to the arrangement of objects in a specific order. It's often used in combinatorics to calculate the number of possible arrangements of a set of items.

What's the difference between "permutation" and "combination"?

"Permutation" considers the order of elements, whereas a "combination" does not. A permutation cares about the sequence; a combination only cares about the selection.

Can you give an example of "permutation" in everyday life?

Arranging the letters in a word to form a new word is an example of "permutation". Similarly, the order in which you perform tasks in a project can be seen as a permutation.

What are some synonyms for "permutation"?

Synonyms for "permutation" include "rearrangement", "alteration", and "variation", depending on the specific context.