string of events

USAGE SUMMARY

"string of events" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a series of related events that occur in sequence. For example: "The outcome of the election was determined by a string of events leading up to Election Day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The vice president is planning a string of events in heavily black areas of the country.

The New York Times

"It is a string of events that would have broken a lesser man.

The Guardian

The Richmond debacle was just one of a bizarre string of events that have peppered Abrahams's life.

The Guardian

The takeover of Itogi was the most recent in a string of events surrounding media control in Russia.

The New York Times

During the first week of the Games, Howard visited a string of events at which Australians won gold medals.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon ousting McChrystal, Obama reiterated his commitment to the mission Wednesday, following a recent string of events that has cast a dark cloud over prospects for success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zimmerman has been involved in a string of events in the last three years, after first coming to widespread attention in 2012 when he killed Martin.

The Guardian

It was a narrative worthy of a Lifetime television drama (which, perhaps fittingly, is sponsoring a string of events aimed at women here this week).

The New York Times

**{:.break one} ** The strangest and most wonderful thing in this whole string of events seems to me the reappearance of Flora.

The New Yorker

But a string of events originating with Mr. Buffett's disappointment led yesterday to a Quaker high school's receiving a gift that dwarfs some college endowments: $128 million.

The New York Times

The case is part of a string of events that have recently stirred tensions among black and Jewish residents in Crown Heights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "string of events", ensure that the events are logically connected and contribute to a larger narrative or outcome. Avoid using it for unrelated occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "string of events" to describe a set of occurrences that lack a clear connection or causal relationship. Ensure the events form a cohesive sequence that leads to a discernible result. For example, do not say 'a string of events including breakfast, a phone call, and a meeting' because these are probably unrelated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "string of events" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote a series of connected occurrences, often implying a consequential relationship between them. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "string of events" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a series of related occurrences, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to scientific explanations, with a prevalence in news and media sources. While it conveys a sense of sequential happenings, ensure the events are logically connected to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like ""series of incidents"" or ""chain of circumstances"" depending on the desired nuance. When in doubt, remember that a "string of events" should tell a coherent story or contribute to a discernible outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of incidents

Replaces 'events' with 'incidents', implying a potentially negative or problematic sequence.

chain of circumstances

Substitutes 'events' with 'circumstances', highlighting the conditions that led to a particular outcome.

succession of occurrences

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the sequential nature of the events.

sequence of happenings

Replaces 'events' with 'happenings', adding a slightly more casual tone.

course of action

Shifts the focus to a planned or deliberate set of actions.

progression of incidents

Highlights how incidents develop or escalate over time.

flow of history

Emphasizes the broader historical context and continuous nature of events.

parade of incidents

Uses metaphor to describe a series of noticeable or prominent events.

cycle of activity

Implies a repeating or cyclical pattern of events.

concatenation of episodes

Offers a formal and technical alternative, suggesting a joining or linking of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "string of events" to describe a series of related occurrences, such as "The investigation uncovered a string of events that led to the company's downfall".

What are some alternatives to "string of events"?

Some alternatives include "series of incidents", "chain of circumstances", or "succession of occurrences", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "chain of events" and "string of events"?

While similar, "chain of events" often implies a more direct causal relationship between events, whereas "string of events" can refer to a sequence that's related but not necessarily causally linked.

In what contexts is "string of events" most appropriately used?

"String of events" is suitable for various contexts, including news reports, historical accounts, and narrative storytelling, where describing a sequence of related happenings is essential.