immediate succession

USAGE SUMMARY

"immediate succession" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a sequence of events that take place very close together in time. For example: "The explosions occurred in immediate succession, shaking the ground with their ferocity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

In the delay condition, subjects decided whether two successively presented upper-case letters were also in immediate succession in the word "TABLET" by pressing the right button for yes and the left button if they were not in succession, and they had to ignore lower case letters that were presented in order to delay the response required for upper-case letters.

Plosone

These results suggest that the slow component reflects sequential docking and release in immediate succession.

Nature

Technically Franco settled the problem of his immediate succession by appointing Gen. Augustin Munoz Grandes as his deputy.

The New Yorker

G, for example, was paired with G♯, and in the music of the period the two notes were seldom needed at the same time or in immediate succession.

Britannica

The immediate succession is expected to follow the Constitution, which mandates that the head of the Senate run the country for three months until new presidential elections can be organized.

The New York Times

In Experiment 1A, all sentences concerning one noun were presented in immediate succession as in Taraban (2004).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The efficient Thomson had to be stationed correctly to clear Calum Butcher's header off the line as United sought another immediate leveller, then Aidan Connolly shot over and wide in quick succession.

BBC

Three shots in quick succession.

The New York Times

He reinstated a ban on consecutive presidential terms and on immediate presidential succession by relatives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An immediate dynastic succession proved impossible and Mrs Gandhi had to bide her time, serving meanwhile as Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Cabinet of Mr Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The Guardian

The leadership vacancy will create an immediate struggle for succession among different factions of the party, and two of the leading candidates began jockeying for position today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immediate succession", ensure the context clearly establishes the type of events or entities that are following one another. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate succession" when you actually mean a "sudden change". The former implies a sequence of events closely following each other, while the latter implies an abrupt shift or alteration. Using them interchangeably can mislead your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate succession" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically describes a series of events or entities that follow one another very closely in time or order. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from political succession to scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate succession" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes events or entities that follow each other very closely in time or order. It's grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, and frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is following in succession and avoid confusing it with terms like "sudden change". Related phrases include "direct sequence" and "consecutive events". The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, as Ludwig demonstrates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consecutive events

Focuses on the events happening one after another, without a break.

rapid sequence

This alternative emphasizes the fast pace and rapid nature of the succession.

instantaneous sequence

Emphasizes the lack of delay between events.

swift sequence

Stresses the rapid nature of the series of events.

direct sequence

Focuses on the order of events rather than the timing between them.

successive order

Highlights that the elements follow one another

close following

Highlights the proximity in time of the events

uninterrupted flow

Highlights the continuous nature of the events.

sequential occurrence

Emphasizes the ordered nature of the events taking place.

next in line

This implies the next one or few things are the subject, one after the other, quickly

FAQs

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

You can use "immediate succession" to describe events that follow each other without any delay. For instance, "The company announced the new product line and, in "immediate succession", revealed their marketing strategy".

What phrases are similar to "immediate succession"?

Alternatives include "direct sequence", "instantaneous sequence", or "consecutive events", all conveying a sense of events following one another closely.

Is it better to use "immediate succession" or "quick succession"?

While both phrases imply events following closely, "quick succession" emphasizes the speed of the events, whereas "immediate succession" emphasizes the lack of delay. Choose based on whether speed or immediacy is more relevant.

What is the difference between "immediate succession" and "next in line"?

"Immediate succession" refers to a series of events, while "next in line" usually implies a singular entity or person that follows another. You wouldn't say "The next in line of explosions", but you might say, "The next in line to be king".