What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
order
Example
Please put the books in alphabetical order. [order: noun]
Example
The teacher ordered the students to sit down and be quiet. [ordered: verb]
sequence
Example
The sequence of events in the story was easy to follow. [sequence: noun]
Example
She sequenced the DNA samples in the lab. [sequenced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Order is more commonly used than sequence in everyday language, especially in the context of commands or requests. However, sequence is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between order and sequence?
Both order and sequence can be used in formal or informal contexts, but sequence may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing.
