B2noun1K

Sequence

UK /["/ˈsiːkwəns/"]/US /["/ˈsiːkwəns/"]/

Definition

a set of events, actions, numbers, etc. which have a particular order and which lead to a particular result

In simple words: A series of things in a specific order.

Examples

  • The sequence of events leading up to the conclusion was fascinating.
  • She memorized the steps in the correct sequence to perform the dance.
  • In mathematics, a sequence is a list of numbers arranged in a specific order.
  • A DNA sequence determines the genetic information carried by an organism.
  • The film's narrative sequence kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
  • The teacher asked the students to describe a sequence of important historical events.
  • In programming, a sequence of commands is crucial for the software to function correctly.
  • The sequence of numbers continued indefinitely, following the established pattern.
  • The steps in the scientific method should be followed in the correct sequence.
  • A sequence can refer to a series of related things, not just numbers.

Usage notes

Use 'sequence' when talking about order in time or events. It's appropriate in academic, technical, and everyday contexts, but may be too formal for casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

sequence + of + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'see-quence' — imagine watching a movie and seeing events unfold in order.

Collocations

  • complete
  • entire
  • whole
  • complete
  • repeat
  • follow
  • sequence of
  • in sequence
  • out of sequence
  • a sequence of events
  • complete
  • entire
  • whole
  • complete
  • repeat
  • follow
  • sequence of
  • in sequence
  • out of sequence
  • a sequence of events
  • opening
  • climactic
  • closing
  • film
  • shoot
  • choreograph
  • feature
  • involve
  • show
  • in a/​the sequence

Synonyms

  • order
  • series
  • progression
  • chain
  • list

Antonyms

  • disorder
  • chaos

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'sequence' with 'sequential' which refers to something being in a sequence.
  • Using 'sequence' without a following object, e.g., 'the sequence of'.
  • Misunderstanding 'sequence' as only related to numbers; it can refer to events or actions too.