sequence of stages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sequence of stages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of steps or phases that occur in a particular order, often in processes or developments. Example: "The project will be completed in a sequence of stages, starting with the initial research and ending with the final presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

A circulation system goes through a sequence of stages as it intensifies into a mature tropical cyclone.

Britannica

Chemical reactions in the cell occur in a sequence of stages called a metabolic pathway.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hypothesis suggests that the use of soft drugs, such as those above, may lead to the use of harder drugs via a sequence of stages.

The Guardian

Sleep occurs in a sequence of stages, including dreamless periods of light and deep sleep, plus occasional periods of active dreaming, known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Harvard University

One frequently used concept is that of 'lifecycles' — an analogy of a sequence of stages encountered by living organisms.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Astronomical observations involve a sequence of stages, each of which may impose constraints on the type of information attainable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft host a sequence of staged infomercials and the core gaming world tunes into watch and comment.

TechCrunch

There was a widespread reaction against the idea of unilinear sequences of stages, deemed by the 19th-century social evolutionists to be universal for all mankind in all places.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Normal stages also involve assumptions about the causal connections between different processes across sequences of stages (Minelli 2003: ch. 4).

SEP

Recent researches have shown that due to unpredictable intervening factors like knowledge and technology, absorption capabilities, appropriateness of the founder's judgment, and competitive environment, the sequences of stages may be heterogeneous in small enterprises.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Some of the 'processes' postulated by process philosophers are—in agreement with our common-sense understanding of processes temporal developments that can be analyzed as temporally structured sequences of stages of an occurrence, with each such stage being numerically and qualitatively different from any other.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sequence of stages" to clearly delineate a process or development into distinct, ordered phases.

Common error

Avoid using "sequence of stages" when the order of the stages is not critical or when the stages can occur simultaneously. The phrase implies a specific, intentional progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sequence of stages" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a series of steps or phases that occur in a particular order. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sequence of stages" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a series of steps or phases in a process. Ludwig AI indicates that it's primarily used in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. As a noun phrase, it functions to categorize and structure complex processes, and it is best suited for formal and scientific registers. To ensure clarity, use it only when a specific, ordered progression is intended and keep in mind alternatives include "series of steps" or "succession of phases". Understanding these nuances will help you use "sequence of stages" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of steps

Emphasizes the individual steps within a process, focusing on their order.

succession of phases

Highlights the different phases or periods involved in a development.

progression of steps

Implies a forward movement through a set of ordered actions.

order of events

Focuses on the chronological arrangement of occurrences.

chain of events

Suggests that each event is causally linked to the previous one.

course of action

Describes a planned series of steps taken to achieve a goal.

cycle of transformations

Highlights the cyclical nature of the stages involved.

string of incidents

Refers to a series of related incidents or occurrences.

flow of processes

Emphasizes the continuous and interconnected nature of the stages.

parade of moments

Highlights the temporal aspect of a sequence, with each moment following the other.

FAQs

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

You can use "sequence of stages" to describe any process that unfolds in a specific order, such as "The project will be completed in a "sequence of stages", each requiring specific approvals".

What phrases are similar to "sequence of stages"?

Similar phrases include "series of steps", "succession of phases", and "progression of steps".

Is it appropriate to use "sequence of stages" in formal writing?

Yes, "sequence of stages" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing structured processes or developments. It is commonly found in academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "sequence of stages" and "random events"?

"Sequence of stages" implies a specific, ordered progression, whereas "random events" suggests occurrences without a predictable order or relationship. Using "sequence of stages" suggests predictability, that random events don't have.