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Prepositions before nouns

In sequence, of sequence, or to sequence?

English commonly uses in sequence and sequence of. To sequence is mainly used with the verb sequence.

Quick answer

Which combination is natural?

Use in sequence for actions arranged in order. Use sequence of for a series of events or items. To sequence is usually linked to the verb sequence, especially in technical contexts.

The photos are arranged in sequence.
The film shows a sequence of events.
Scientists used software to sequence the DNA.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in sequence

Things arranged in order

Use in sequence when items follow one after another in the correct order.

Read the chapters in sequence.
The numbers appear in sequence on the screen.
2
sequence of + items

A connected series

Use sequence of for events, actions, sounds, or images that form a series.

The attack triggered a sequence of reactions.
The documentary presents a sequence of interviews.
3
to sequence

Verb meaning arrange or analyse

To sequence is natural when sequence functions as a verb.

The lab plans to sequence the samples tomorrow.
Teachers learn to sequence activities effectively.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in sequence
The tasks must be completed in sequence.
In the correct order.
of sequence
Not a standard fixed phrase; English usually uses sequence of instead.
The noun sequence normally comes before of.
to sequence
Researchers hope to sequence the genome.
Verb form meaning arrange or analyse in order.
out of sequence
One slide appeared out of sequence.
Not in the expected order.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Reversing sequence of

English places sequence before of.

✕ a reaction of sequence ✓ a sequence of reactions

Using to sequence as a noun phrase

To sequence is usually verbal, not a fixed noun combination.

✕ The files were arranged to sequence. ✓ The files were arranged in sequence.

Confusing in sequence with in a sequence

In sequence means in order; in a sequence refers to being inside a particular series.

✕ The pages are in a sequence. ✓ The pages are in sequence.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The instructions should be followed ___ sequence.
2. The book describes a sequence ___ events.
3. The company plans ___ sequence the data automatically.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in sequence a common expression?

Yes. It means arranged or happening in the correct order.

Why is of sequence uncommon?

English normally uses sequence of, not of sequence, when sequence is a noun.

Can sequence be a verb?

Yes. In technical and general English, sequence can mean arrange in order or analyse genetic material.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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