i was succeeded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was succeeded" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used incorrectly because "succeeded" is a transitive verb that requires a subject who does the succeeding, not a passive construction. Example: "After the CEO retired, I was succeeded by my deputy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Encyclopedias

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

George I was succeeded by his great-grandson George II, who died in 1918.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Galeazzo I was succeeded by his son Azzo (1302 39), peace was concluded with the pope (1329).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hyrcanus I was succeeded by Aristobulus I (104 103), who extended Hasmonean territory northward and is said to have assumed the title of king (basileus), though on his coins he appears, like Hyrcanus I, as high priest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Charles I was succeeded by his son Charles II and the latter by his son-in-law Charles III of Valois, under whose rule the economic and social conditions of the people of Anjou saw much improvement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ahmose I was succeeded by his son, Amenhotep I.

Wikipedia

Yarim-Lim I was succeeded by his son Hammurabi I who had a peaceful reign.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was difficult, but I thought I was succeeding.

The New York Times - Health

"I felt I was succeeding," Mendez said, burying his face in his gray sweat shirt.

The Washington Post

But he was proud when he saw that I was succeeding".

The Guardian - Music

I was succeeding already.

Huffington Post

I was doing what I loved and I was succeeding in a whole new way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer active voice constructions like "My successor was..." or "I was replaced by..." for clarity and grammatical correctness. This avoids the awkwardness and potential ambiguity of the passive voice with "succeeded".

Common error

Avoid using "i was succeeded" as a direct passive construction. "Succeeded" typically needs an actor performing the succession. A sentence like "I was succeeded" is usually grammatically incorrect without further clarification (e.g., "I was succeeded by my assistant"). Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "I was replaced by..." or "My successor was...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was succeeded" functions as a passive construction intended to indicate that someone followed or replaced the speaker in a particular role. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is not ideal and is considered grammatically incorrect in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

News & Media

40%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "i was succeeded" might seem like a straightforward way to express being replaced in a role, it's often considered grammatically awkward or incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, it's better to opt for clearer and more direct alternatives like "i was replaced by" or "my successor was". Although examples exist in encyclopedias, news media, and wiki sources, the frequency is uncommon. Using active voice constructions enhances clarity and avoids potential ambiguity, making your writing more precise and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was replaced by

Emphasizes that someone else took your position; focuses on the act of replacement.

i was followed by

Indicates a sequence, where someone came after you in a role.

my successor was

Shifts the focus to the person who succeeded you, making them the subject.

the role was taken over by

Emphasizes the role or position being transferred to another person.

i handed over the position to

Highlights your active role in transferring the position.

i passed the baton to

Uses a metaphorical expression for transferring a role or responsibility.

leadership was assumed by

Highlights the transfer of leadership.

the responsibility was given to

Highlights the transfer of responsibility.

the reins were handed to

Uses a metaphorical expression for transferring control or power.

i yielded my position to

Emphasizes your voluntary relinquishment of the role.

FAQs

Is "i was succeeded" grammatically correct?

The phrase "i was succeeded" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "i was replaced by" or "my successor was".

What's a more natural way to say "i was succeeded"?

Instead of "i was succeeded", you can say "i was followed by", "i was replaced by", or "my successor was", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How can I use "succeeded" correctly in a sentence about someone taking over my role?

You would typically use "succeeded" with the person who took over the role as the subject. For example, "John succeeded me as CEO" is correct. To express it from your perspective, use "John replaced me as CEO".

Which is better: "i was succeeded by" or "i was replaced by"?

While "i was succeeded by" is technically understandable, "i was replaced by" is generally preferred for its clarity and directness. It avoids any potential awkwardness or grammatical concerns associated with the passive voice and "succeeded".