What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lineup
Example
The police asked the witnesses to identify the suspect from a lineup. [lineup: noun]
Example
The coach decided to change the lineup for the next game. [lineup: noun]
Example
Let's lineup alphabetically by last name. [lineup: verb]
sequence
Example
The sequence of events leading up to the accident is still unclear. [sequence: noun]
Example
The teacher explained the sequence of steps to solve the math problem. [sequence: noun]
Example
You need to sequence the DNA samples correctly to get accurate results. [sequence: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sequence is more commonly used than lineup in everyday language. Sequence is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lineup is less common and often associated with specific contexts, such as sports or criminal investigations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lineup and sequence?
Both lineup and sequence can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the communication. However, sequence is more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, which tends to be more formal in tone.
