a succession of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a succession of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a series of events, objects, or people coming one after the other. For example: "The last few weeks have been a succession of disappointing events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A succession of City banks followed.

Independent

A succession of Gucci campaigns followed.

The New York Times

A succession of creditors.

The New Yorker

18.Avoid a Succession of Loose Sentences.

Stanford University

A succession of similar discoveries followed.

Britannica

Jerome played a succession of noblemen.

The Guardian

Then came a succession of warm days.

The New York Times - Travel

He then began a succession of appeals.

The Guardian

There followed a succession of astonishing tableaus.

The New York Times - Travel

Ageing can be described as a succession of two stages.

Polymer

The chain is treated as a succession of n segments.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a succession of", ensure the noun following "of" is plural to accurately reflect the multiple items or events in the series.

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after "a succession of". The phrase implies multiple items or events, so using a singular noun creates a grammatical error. For example, instead of "a succession of event", use "a succession of events".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a succession of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, modifying the noun that follows. It indicates that there are multiple instances of the noun, occurring one after the other. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is perfectly correct to use in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a succession of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a sequence of events, items, or individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. With a neutral register, it fits various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias and academic papers and can be replaced with alternatives like ""a series of"" or ""a chain of"" to add different nuances. Remember to use a plural noun after "of" to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of

Emphasizes a structured or ordered sequence, similar to "a succession of" but with a stronger connotation of intentional arrangement.

a sequence of

Focuses on the ordered arrangement of elements, emphasizing the specific order or pattern in which they occur.

a chain of

Implies a connected sequence, where each element is linked to the previous one, adding a sense of cause and effect or dependency.

a string of

Suggests a linear sequence, often of similar or related items, highlighting the repetitive or continuous nature of the series.

a run of

Indicates a continuous series, often used in contexts of time or events, suggesting a period during which something happens repeatedly.

a progression of

Highlights the gradual development or advancement through a series of stages, emphasizing the forward movement or improvement over time.

a cycle of

Highlights a recurring sequence, where the final element leads back to the beginning, emphasizing the repetitive or cyclical nature of the series.

a wave of

Suggests a surge or sudden increase in a series of events or phenomena, implying intensity or widespread occurrence.

a course of

Implies a planned or predetermined sequence, often used in contexts of actions or treatments, emphasizing the structured or methodical nature of the series.

an array of

Indicates a diverse and varied collection of items, suggesting a wide range or selection within the series.

FAQs

How can I use "a succession of" in a sentence?

Use "a succession of" to describe a series of things or events that follow one another. For example, "The project experienced "a succession of delays"."

What are some alternatives to "a succession of"?

Alternatives include "a series of", "a chain of", or "a sequence of", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a succession of event"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Succession" refers to multiple things, so you should use a plural noun: "a succession of events".

What is the difference between "a succession of" and "a series of"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence, "a succession of" often implies a chronological order or consequence, whereas "a series of" can simply denote a collection or group. The nuance depends on context.