sequence of events

USAGE SUMMARY

"sequence of events" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a chronological order of happenings. For example, "The sequence of events leading up to his arrest were as follows..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A favourable sequence of events then followed.

The Economist

This sequence of events has factual support.

The New Yorker

But the sequence of events matters.

The Economist

He knew the sequence of events.

The New York Times - Health

This sequence of events is troubling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Look at the sequence of events.

The Guardian - Sport

What a wild sequence of events.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the sequence of events troubled her.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sequence of events is often confusing.

The New Yorker

The sequence of events is familiar.

The Guardian

The sequence of events is telling.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "sequence of events", use transition words (e.g. first, then, next, finally) to clearly indicate the order.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions when outlining a "sequence of events". Provide sufficient detail to ensure clarity and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sequence of events" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a set of occurrences arranged in chronological order. Ludwig's examples showcase this function across diverse sources, confirming its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sequence of events" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for describing a chronological order of occurrences. As Ludwig confirms, it's common across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When writing about a "sequence of events", clarity is key; use transition words and provide sufficient detail to guide the reader. While alternatives like "chain of events" or "series of incidents" exist, "sequence of events" remains a versatile and reliable choice for a variety of writing purposes. Understanding its function and purpose can help you effectively communicate the order in which things happen.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of events

Focuses on the interconnectedness and causality between events.

succession of occurrences

Similar to sequence, but may imply a more formal or structured order.

series of incidents

Emphasizes individual occurrences within a larger set.

step-by-step account

Focuses on detailing each stage or action in the order it happened.

course of action

Highlights a planned or intentional sequence.

progression of happenings

Stresses the development or unfolding of events over time.

order of proceedings

Often used in legal or formal settings to describe structured processes.

historical timeline

Specifically refers to a chronological depiction of past events.

unfolding story

Implies a narrative or plot-driven sequence.

the way things played out

An informal way of describing how events unfolded, often with an element of surprise or unexpectedness.

FAQs

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

You can use "sequence of events" to describe a chronological order of happenings. For example, "The detective meticulously pieced together the "sequence of events" leading up to the crime".

What's a more formal alternative to "sequence of events"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "succession of occurrences" or "chain of events" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "sequence of events" differ from "series of incidents"?

"Sequence of events" generally implies a connected, chronological order, while "series of incidents" can refer to related but not necessarily sequentially linked events.

Is it always necessary to describe every detail in a "sequence of events"?

While clarity is important, focus on the most relevant details to avoid overwhelming the reader. Highlight the critical points that define the "sequence of events".