how to use the word "consecutive" in English.

 Okay, let's break down how to use the word "consecutive" in English.

Meaning:

"Consecutive" means following one after another in order, without any interruption or break. It describes items in a sequence.

How it's used:

It's primarily used as an adjective. This means it describes a noun.

Common Patterns:

You'll often see it used like this:

[Number] + consecutive + [Noun (usually plural)]

Examples:

1. Time Periods:

   • It rained for three consecutive days. (Meaning: It rained on Day 1, Day 2, AND Day 3 without a non-rainy day in between).
   • The company reported profits for five consecutive quarters. (Meaning: Five quarters in a row).
   • She worked 12 consecutive hours. (Meaning: 12 hours without a break in the sequence).
   • This is our second consecutive year visiting Japan. (Meaning: We visited last year and we are visiting this year).

2. Events or Occurrences:

   • The team has achieved four consecutive wins. (Meaning: They won the last four games they played, one after the other).
   • He missed three consecutive meetings. (Meaning: He missed meeting 1, meeting 2, and meeting 3 in sequence).

3. Numbers or Items in a Series:

   • The numbers 5, 6, and 7 are consecutive integers. (Meaning: They follow each other directly in numerical order).
   • Please read the next two consecutive chapters. (Meaning: Read the chapter immediately following the current one, and then the one after that).

Related Word: Consecutively (Adverb)

The adverb form is "consecutively". It describes how an action is done (one after another).

• The meetings were scheduled consecutively from 1 PM to 4 PM. (Meaning: One meeting followed immediately after the previous one).
• Please number the pages consecutively. (Meaning: Number them 1, 2, 3, 4... in order).

Common Alternative Phrases:

Sometimes, especially in less formal speech, people use phrases like:

• in a row: "It rained for three days in a row." (Very common synonym)
• straight: "The team won four straight games." (Often used for wins/losses or time periods)

Key Takeaway:

Use "consecutive" when you want to emphasize that things happen or exist directly one after another, forming an unbroken sequence.