close succession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close succession" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe events or occurrences that happen one right after the other in a short period of time. Example: "The two earthquakes struck in close succession, causing widespread panic among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In groups they play catching games, running after one another in close succession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lots of swimming, lots of cycling – sometimes in painfully close succession.

The Guardian

Mr. Hertz was reeling from the loss of both parents in close succession.

The New York Times

March 6 2013 March 13 201313 Three groups from Scandinavia visit the Joyce in close succession.

The New Yorker

Pierre Boulez is conducting two renowned orchestras at Carnegie Hall in close succession.

The New York Times

Damascus suffered two major disasters in close succession in the middle of the Mamlūk period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But two lists published in close succession have made me break my vow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dotty died peacefully on Sunday, February 1st, after suffering two strokes in close succession.

The New York Times

In fact, what is most fun is to watch both films in close succession.

The New York Times

In fact, crime writing has lost in close succession three of its most greatest talents.

The Guardian - Books

However, when two spots of equally bright light are observed in close succession, the first intensity may seem brighter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events happening nearly simultaneously, use "close succession" to emphasize the minimal time gap. This conveys a sense of urgency or interconnectedness between the occurrences.

Common error

Avoid assuming that events happening in "close succession" are necessarily causally related. While they may be linked, correlation does not equal causation. Always provide evidence of a causal relationship if you intend to imply one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close succession" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the timing or sequence of events. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is typically used to describe occurrences that follow each other rapidly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close succession" is a versatile phrase used to describe events occurring immediately after one another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While appropriate for various registers, it's essential to avoid assuming causality solely based on temporal proximity. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "immediate succession" or "rapid succession" to maintain clarity and precision. Therefore the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English and has an usage across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate sequence

Focuses on the direct, uninterrupted nature of the series.

rapid sequence

Highlights the speed at which the events occur.

quick series

Emphasizes the brevity and sequential nature.

near simultaneity

Stresses the events happening almost at the same time.

in short order

Indicates that the events follow each other quickly.

one after another

A straightforward expression of sequential occurrence.

back-to-back

Highlights the consecutiveness of the events.

successive order

Focuses on the sequential arrangement of events.

in rapid-fire order

Illustrates a fast, uninterrupted sequence.

tight sequence

Emphasizes the limited time gap between events.

FAQs

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

You can use "close succession" to describe events that happen immediately after each other. For instance, "The company released two major updates in "close succession", leading to a surge in user engagement."

What are some alternatives to "close succession"?

Alternatives include "immediate succession", "rapid succession", or "one after another", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in close succession" or "in a close succession"?

The correct phrase is "in "close succession"". The article "a" is not needed.

What's the difference between "close succession" and "simultaneous occurrence"?

"Close succession" implies events happening one after the other with minimal delay, while "simultaneous occurrence" means events happening at the exact same time. They are not interchangeable.