sequentially

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sequentially" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use "sequentially" to describe that something is done in a specific order. For example: "The project was completed sequentially, starting with the foundation and ending with the roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although one may try to answer this question by appealing to other causes (say, z's causing x to cause y), the PSR also demands an account of what it is in virtue of which x and y are causally related, as opposed to being merely sequentially ordered (or an account of why mere sequential ordering is sufficient for causal relatedness).

SEP

Tape is cheap, but access time is far slower than that of a magnetic disk because it is sequential-access memory—i.e., data must be sequentially read and written as a tape is unwound, rather than retrieved directly from the desired point on the tape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arm had sequentially guided down its first quarter 2013 revenues, following strength in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The Guardian - Business

Of these (counting the second tier position sequentially below the top tier) the highest aggregate of 44 was the 1975 final between West Ham United (13th) and Fulham (ninth in tier two).

The Guardian - Sport

The term "pure public goods" refers to commodities that have two particular characteristics: their benefits can be enjoyed undiminished by many users concurrently as well as sequentially, and it is costly for the provider to exclude unauthorised (free-riding) consumers.

The Economist

One option is to use sequentially triggered vertebrae made of electroactive polymers, whose shape is modified by applying a voltage.All this makes the robotic tuna's new incarnation ever more reminiscent of the real thing.

The Economist

In exchange, they are given newly minted bitcoin.Chaining blocks together sequentially prevents anyone spending the same bitcoin twice, a bane of previous digital currencies.

The Economist

However, multiple targets have to be tested sequentially, either individually or in small batches that are tiled together.

The Economist

Production cycles grow shorter; consumers expect service around the clock; companies do things in parallel that they would once have done sequentially.

The Economist

Instead he proposes to act "sequentially", starting by securing the mixed Sunni-Shia neighbourhoods of Baghdad to show even-handedness, and then moving to the towns surrounding the capital before attempting to take on the most important Sunni and Shia strongholds.

The Economist

Normally on a project of this type work is carried out sequentially: first the studies are completed, then all the land is acquired, then suppliers commissioned and so on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sequentially" to clearly indicate that steps or events must follow a specific order for a process to be successful. For example, "The instructions must be followed sequentially to ensure proper assembly."

Common error

Avoid using "sequentially" when a simple listing or enumeration is sufficient. Instead of saying, "First, second, and third steps are done sequentially", opt for "First, second, and third steps are done in order."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "sequentially" primarily functions to modify verbs or clauses, indicating that actions or events occur in a specific order or sequence. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows how the word is used to describe how tasks are performed or how data is processed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sequentially" is an adverb that describes actions or events occurring in a specific order. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal register. To enhance clarity, reserve "sequentially" for situations where order is crucial, avoiding it in simple enumerations. Consider alternatives like "successively" or "in sequence" to vary your language. Remember, effective communication lies in choosing the most precise word for the intended meaning and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

successively

Direct synonym, indicating a series of things following each other.

in sequence

Emphasizes the order of elements, similar to "sequentially", but uses a prepositional phrase.

in order

Highlights the arrangement according to a specific plan, closely related to "sequentially".

consecutively

Implies an unbroken sequence, similar to "sequentially" but with a stronger emphasis on continuity.

serially

Indicates arrangement of items in a series or sequence, akin to "sequentially".

one after another

Stresses the successive nature of actions or events, akin to "sequentially".

in succession

Focuses on the following of one thing after another, much like "sequentially".

step by step

Highlights the gradual and incremental nature of a process, comparable to "sequentially".

by turns

Suggests an alternating sequence, a specific type of sequential order.

running

Focuses on the flow and continuity from one to another, similar to "sequentially" but focuses on progression.

FAQs

How can I use "sequentially" in a sentence?

You can use "sequentially" to describe actions or events that happen in a specific order. For example, "The data was processed "sequentially", one step at a time."

What words are similar to "sequentially"?

Similar words include "successively", "consecutively", and "in sequence", all suggesting a specific order.

Is it better to say "sequentially" or "in order"?

Both "sequentially" and "in order" can be used to indicate a specific sequence. "Sequentially" often implies a more formal or technical context, while "in order" is generally more versatile.

What's the difference between "sequentially" and "simultaneously"?

"Sequentially" means one after another, while "simultaneously" means at the same time. They are antonyms.