in turn

Thân thiện

Each student stood up and spoke in turn.

Definition

Adverb 1. In proper order or sequence: One after another in a defined order, often taking successive actions or having successive experiences. - The committee members spoke in turn. - The colors of the traffic light change in turn.

Usage

The phrase "in turn" is used to describe actions, events, or states that follow one another sequentially. It emphasizes a chain of succession where each element follows the previous one in a logical or predetermined order.

Examples

• Following a sequence:
  • The teacher asked the students to present their projects in turn.
  • Please answer the questions in turn, starting from the left.
• Indicating a consequential sequence (one thing leading to another):
  • He explained the rule to me, and I in turn explained it to the team.
  • The manager's decision angered the staff, which in turn led to a drop in productivity.

Advanced Usage

• In a reciprocal or responsive manner: Often used to describe a back-and-forth exchange where one action prompts a related response.
  • She shared her ideas with the group, and they in turn offered their feedback.
• As a result or consequence in a series: Highlights a cause-and-effect relationship within a sequence.
  • Overfishing depletes fish stocks, which in turn harms the entire marine ecosystem.

Variants and Related Words

• Sequentially (adv.): In a way that follows a logical order or sequence.
  • The tasks must be completed sequentially.
• Consecutively (adv.): In uninterrupted sequence.
  • It rained for five days consecutively.
• Successively (adv.): Following one after another without interruption.
  • He won the championship successively for three years.

Synonyms

• One by one
• Sequentially
• Successively
• In sequence
• In order

Related Phrases

• Take turns: To alternate in doing something.
  • The children took turns pushing the swing.
• By turns: Alternately; one after the other in a specified order.
  • The story is by turns funny and tragic.

Notes on Meaning

While the core meaning relates to sequential order, "in turn" often implies more than simple succession. It frequently suggests that each item in the sequence has its own moment of focus, action, or consequence, and can imply a reciprocal or causal relationship between the elements in the chain.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. in proper order or sequence
   • talked to each child in turn
   • the stable became in turn a chapel and then a movie theater

Từ đồng nghĩa

• successively