sequence
C1Formal / Technical / Academic
Definition
Meaning
A particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other.
A set of related events, actions, items, or DNA nucleotides following a logical or chronological order; in film, a distinct episode or section.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary sense is about ordered succession; can imply causality or just chronology. In mathematics/film/computing, it's a highly technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling identical. In academic contexts, 'sequencing' as a gerund is equally common.
Connotations
Identical. Both associate it with order, logic, and technical processes.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic and tech writing due to larger STEM output, but difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + of + N (sequence of numbers)ADJ + N (random sequence)V + N (determine the sequence)N + V (sequence begins)PREP + N (in sequence)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a sequence of events (fixed phrase)”
- “in rapid sequence”
- “out of sequence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to steps in a process or project timeline.
Academic
Used in mathematics, biology, linguistics, and history to describe ordered sets.
Everyday
Describing order of actions, like a recipe or story events.
Technical
In computing (data sequence), genetics (DNA sequence), and film (shot sequence).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to sequence the tasks by priority.
- The genome was sequenced at the Cambridge lab.
American English
- The software sequences the data automatically.
- Researchers sequenced the protein's amino acids.
adverb
British English
- The numbers are arranged sequentially.
- He explained the process sequentially.
American English
- The files were accessed sequentially.
- Tasks were completed sequentially.
adjective
British English
- The sequence data is crucial.
- A sequence diagram was provided.
American English
- The sequence analysis revealed a pattern.
- Follow the sequence logic in the manual.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please put the pictures in the correct sequence.
- The sequence of days is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
- The sequence of events in the story was clear.
- Can you remember the sequence of numbers?
- The opening sequence of the film was breathtaking.
- Scientists analysed the genetic sequence of the virus.
- A random sequence of numbers was generated for the encryption key.
- The historian questioned the accepted sequence of diplomatic communications leading to the war.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SEE-quence – you need to SEE the order to understand the sequence.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LINE OF EVENTS (events are points on a line in sequence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'сиквенс' (false friend, rarely used). Use 'последовательность' (order) or 'серия' (series) depending on context. Don't confuse with 'consequence' (последствие).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'sequence' with 'series' (series doesn't stress order as strongly). Misspelling as 'sequance'. Using 'sequence of' incorrectly with uncountable nouns.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sequence' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often chronological, it can refer to any defined order (logical, spatial, numerical, or algorithmic).
'Series' suggests items in succession but may not imply a strict, logical, or necessary order. 'Sequence' strongly implies a deliberate or inherent order connecting the items.
Yes, especially in scientific contexts (to sequence DNA) or general use (to sequence tasks).
Very similar. 'In sequence' stresses following the defined order, while 'consecutively' stresses following one after another without interruption.
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