What is sequence? Pronunciation and usage in English

sequence means . Learn how to pronounce and use sequence through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sequence

sequencenoun

/ˈsiːkwəns//ˈsiːkwəns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sequence." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈsiː.kwən.s/ (SEE-kwen-s)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈsiː – This is the first syllable. "See" as in "sea." It's the stressed syllable.
  • kwon – Pronounced like "gone" but with a "kw" sound at the beginning. Think of the 'k' in "kite."
  • s – A simple, short "s" sound.

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

Imagine you're saying "See-kwon-s."

Common Mispronunciations & Why They’re Wrong:

  • “Sequens” (like “keen-sens”) – This is a common mistake. It’s not how it’s pronounced.
  • “Seek-wen” – Adding an extra "e" sound before “wen”.

Resources to Hear it Pronounced:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you learning English as a second language?
  • Is there a particular accent you’re trying to match (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word sequence in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sequence" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Series of Connected Events or Numbers (Most Common)

  • Meaning: A series of things that happen in a particular order. It highlights the order and connection between each item.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a logical sequence to the steps involved in baking a cake." (Steps in a specific order)
    • "The sequence of events leading to the war was complex." (A series of events that caused the war)
    • "He followed a sequence of exercises to warm up his muscles." (Repeating exercises in order)
    • "The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, form a simple numerical sequence." (Numbers in an ordered series)

2. In Mathematics - A Series of Terms in a Mathematical Expression

  • Meaning: A defined set of numbers or symbols following a specific pattern.
  • Examples:
    • "The Fibonacci sequence starts with 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the two preceding ones." (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5...)
    • "The sequence 2, 4, 6, 8... is an arithmetic sequence (each term increases by 2)."
    • "This polynomial has a recurring sequence of factors."

3. In Computer Science - A Set of Instructions to be Executed

  • Meaning: A set of operations that a computer program performs in a specific order.
  • Examples:
    • "The program follows a sequence of steps to sort the data."
    • "We need to define the sequence of actions for the robot to perform."

4. As a Series of Words or Sounds (Less Common)

  • Meaning: A series of words or sounds that form a particular pattern or rhythm.
  • Examples:
    • "The composer created a beautiful sequence of notes." (Musical notes arranged in a specific way)
    • "The politician used a clever sequence of words to persuade the audience." (Words arranged to have a particular effect)

Key Related Words & Phrases:

  • Sequence of events: (As mentioned above)
  • Sequence of numbers: (As mentioned above)
  • Order of sequence: The order in which the items in a sequence appear.
  • Following a sequence: Performing actions in the correct order.
  • Breaking the sequence: Disruption in the order of events.

Tips for Using "Sequence" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The meaning of "sequence" will depend on the situation.
  • Focus on order: "Sequence" always implies a specific order or arrangement.
  • Think about connection: The items in a sequence are usually related in some way (e.g., numbers, events).

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "sequence"? (e.g., writing a story, explaining a math problem, describing a process, etc.)

Synonyms for the word sequence

Practice with vocabulary sequence

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Scientists are studying the specific DNA __________ of a newly discovered virus to understand its mutation patterns.
  2. Before starting the experiment, ensure you follow the safety __________ exactly as outlined in the lab manual to avoid accidents.
  3. The company changed its hiring __________ to prioritize candidates with strong leadership potential, regardless of their prior experience.
  4. After the software update, users reported a series of unexpected system crashes, which was an unforeseen __________ of the new features.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which word(s) best describe(s) the ordered arrangement of events in a narrative? a) series b) sequence c) compilation d) succession e) plot

  2. When referring to a particular order in which something happens or is done, which of the following is most appropriate? a) outcome b) phase c) sequence d) result

  3. To ensure the project's success, we must meticulously plan the __________ of tasks and allocate resources accordingly. a) arrangement b) chronology c) sequence d) jumble e) random assortment

  4. The doctor explained that consistent medication adherence is crucial for the __________ of your treatment and overall recovery. a) continuity b) interruption c) discontinuation d) series

  5. What word best describes the direct result or effect of an action or event? a) sequence b) cause c) consequence d) progression

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The instructions specify that you must perform the steps one after another in a specific manner. (Rewrite using "sequence")

    • The instructions specify that you must perform the steps in a specific __________.

  2. The software automatically processes data by executing a set of commands in a predetermined order. (Rewrite using a related word form of "sequence")

    • The software automatically processes data by executing a set of __________ commands.

  3. After failing the initial quality check, the product moved through several stages of refinement before being approved for sale. (Rewrite, but do not use "sequence")

    • After failing the initial quality check, the product underwent a __________ of refinement before being approved for sale.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sequence
  2. sequence
  3. policy
  4. consequence

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) sequence, d) succession, e) plot
  2. c) sequence
  3. a) arrangement, b) chronology, c) sequence
  4. a) continuity
  5. c) consequence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The instructions specify that you must perform the steps in a specific sequence.
  2. The software automatically processes data by executing a set of sequential commands.
  3. After failing the initial quality check, the product underwent a series of refinement before being approved for sale.

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