series
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A number of similar or related things or events coming one after another.
A set of related television or radio programmes, books, games, etc.; a set of sports games or matches between two teams; a sequence of numbers, elements, or terms arranged in a defined order (in mathematics, computing); a set of metal medals with a common design but different denominations (in currency).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Series is identical in singular and plural form, which can be a source of confusion for learners. The context usually clarifies the number. It can refer to both a simple sequence and a complex, interconnected whole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Slight nuance in sports: in US English, a 'series' often refers to a championship final (e.g., World Series), while UK English uses 'series' for a sequence of related events or 'test series' in cricket.
Connotations
In media contexts, 'series' in UK English often means a finite, contained set of episodes (a 'season' in US English). In US English, 'series' can imply an ongoing, potentially multi-season show.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, but the structural context (TV/radio schedules, sports reporting) may highlight the nuanced usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
a series of [plural noun]series + [preposition 'on' + topic]in series (technical: electrical connection)to be part of a seriesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in series and parallel”
- “a comedy series (figurative: a sequence of humorous events)”
- “to be in a downward series (experiencing repeated failures)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to sequential product launches, training programs, or financial data points (e.g., 'a series of quarterly reports').
Academic
Used in mathematics (number series), history (a series of treaties), and science (time series analysis).
Everyday
Most commonly refers to TV shows, books, or sports competitions (e.g., 'I'm binge-watching a new series').
Technical
In electronics, 'in series' describes components connected end-to-end; in data science, 'time series' refers to sequential data points.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- To series-link a programme on the recorder.
American English
- The network decided to series-order the show for a full season.
adjective
British English
- A series-winning team.
- Series-linked recordings.
American English
- Series-regular cast member.
- A series-finale episode.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I watch a funny series on TV.
- He bought a series of stamps.
- The documentary series has six episodes.
- A series of mistakes led to the problem.
- The team won the championship after a gruelling seven-game series.
- The author is writing a new series of historical novels.
- The data was analysed using time series forecasting to predict market trends.
- A convergent series in mathematics approaches a finite limit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TV SERIES: SEveral Related Episodes In a Sequence.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A SERIES OF POINTS (events as discrete moments on a timeline); KNOWLEDGE IS A SERIES (learning as sequential steps).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'сериал' for all contexts – 'series' is broader (e.g., a series of books = 'серия книг', not 'сериал').
- Avoid translating 'a series of' as 'много' ('many'); it implies order, not just quantity.
- Remember the singular/plural form is the same: 'This series is' / 'These series are'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'serie' as a singular form (incorrect).
- Using a plural verb with a singular context: 'The series are good' (should be 'The series is good').
- Confusing 'series' with 'serials' (ongoing narratives).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'series' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. Use context: 'This TV series is great' (singular). 'These two series are similar' (plural).
In UK English, a 'series' often equals a US 'season'. In US English, a 'series' is the whole show, and a 'season' is a yearly set of episodes.
No, by definition it implies a sequence of two or more related items or events.
UK: /ˈsɪə.riːz/ (SEER-eez). US: /ˈsɪr.iːz/ (SIHR-eez). Both have two syllables.