to form a chain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to form a chain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of creating a sequence or connection between items, people, or events. Example: "The team worked together to form a chain of communication that ensured everyone was informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

So he left banking to form a chain of supermarkets.

The New York Times

Some oligochaetes divide to form a chain of two or more individuals that later break off as young worms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rebels, so far, have been unable to form a chain of command that is respected on the ground, has real authority, and can enforce direction.

The New Yorker

Details of numerical simulations have revealed a wake that tends to form a chain of Omega shaped vortex rings.

Chemical Engineering Science

... The S-interneurons, one in each ganglion and linked by electrical synapses with both neighbors to form a chain, are interposed between sensory and motor neurons.

Yale University

Similar to other actors, the DDP actors can be linked together to form a chain of tasks, and can be nested hierarchically as part of larger workflows.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Experimental results have shown that a weak magnetic field (∼50 mT) can align these newly-developed nanofiber hybrids to form a chain-like structure in the epoxy resin.

Polymer

In contrast to the conventional polycations with long sequences of covalently bonded repeating units, this work reports a supramolecular gene carrier where many cationic cyclic units are threaded over a polymer chain to form a chain-interlock structured gene carrier.

Polymer

It is based on adding a link group to an open kinematic chain to form a closed chain without changing the degrees of freedom of the open chain.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

This leads to the death of the active chain (P i k ) to form a dead chain (De i ) and begins a new one.

Applied Petrochemical Research

A silent chain is essentially an assemblage of gear racks, each with two teeth, pivotally connected to form a closed chain.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to form a chain" when you want to emphasize the process of creating a linear sequence or connection, whether it's physical, conceptual, or organizational.

Common error

Avoid using "to form a chain" in contexts where the image of a physical chain is not relevant, as it can sound awkward. Consider alternatives like "establish a connection" or "create a sequence" if the relationship is more abstract.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to form a chain" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier expressing purpose or intention. As Ludwig highlights, it describes the action of creating a linear sequence or connection. Examples demonstrate this function in varied contexts, such as physical formations or abstract connections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to form a chain" is a grammatically sound and versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the creation of a linear sequence or connection. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial modifier and is found across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general knowledge. While broadly applicable, it's advisable to consider the context and avoid overly literal interpretations, opting for alternatives like "establish a connection" when appropriate. The examples illustrate its usage in both physical and abstract scenarios, emphasizing the importance of understanding its nuances for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a sequence

Highlights the act of making a series of things follow each other in a specific order.

establish a series

Focuses on the creation of a sequence, emphasizing order and arrangement.

build a connection

Emphasizes the creation of a link or relationship between different elements.

forge a link

Suggests a strong and lasting connection, often implying effort and durability.

assemble a string

Focuses on the act of bringing together individual items to create a connected sequence.

develop a line

Implies the creation of a linear progression or series of elements.

construct a concatenation

Highlights the joining of elements end to end to create a continuous sequence.

unite in sequence

Emphasizes the joining of things one after another in an ordered arrangement.

join in a row

Indicates the act of connecting items side by side to form a straight line.

successively link

Highlights the connection of items one after the other, often implying a process or method.

FAQs

How can I use "to form a chain" in a sentence?

You can use "to form a chain" to describe creating a sequence or connection. For example, "The protesters linked arms "to form a human chain"" or "The scientists connected the data points "to form a conclusion"".

What are some alternatives to "to form a chain"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to create a sequence", "to establish a connection", or "to build a relationship".

Is it better to say "to form a chain" or "forming a chain"?

Both "to form a chain" and "forming a chain" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "To form a chain" is an infinitive phrase and is often used to express purpose or intention. "Forming a chain" is a gerund phrase and often functions as a noun. For example: "The goal is "to form a chain"" versus "Forming a chain required careful planning".

What's the difference between "to form a chain" and "to create a chain"?

While similar, "to form a chain" emphasizes the process of bringing individual elements together, whereas "to create a chain" emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.