immediate successors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate successors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or entities that follow directly after someone or something in a sequence or hierarchy. Example: "The immediate successors of the previous CEO have been tasked with implementing the new company strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His immediate successors followed suit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are no immediate successors to replace Mr. Lewis.

The New York Times

But lately, some founders or their immediate successors are spending their full endowments and closing down.

The New York Times

Instead, as happened with Muhammad's immediate successors, caliphs should be chosen from among those most qualified.

The Economist

None of his contemporaries or immediate successors was able to match the vigour of his verse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Notable among Scarlatti's immediate successors were such composers as Nicola Porpora, Leonardo Vinci, and Leonardo Leo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He and his three immediate successors are known as the "perfect" or "rightly guided" caliphs.

Britannica

The exhibition opens with paintings by members of the Ashcan School and their immediate successors.

The New York Times

Busby always denied direct interference, but many felt his presence undermined his immediate successors.

The Guardian - Sport

First, by associating choice probabilities with the immediate successors of an activity, some branches of execution are not always taken.

European Journal of Operational Research

Perils accompanying the French revolutionary wars occupied Washington's attention, as well as that of his three immediate successors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical figures or events, use "immediate successors" to clearly delineate the individuals who followed directly in a particular role or position. This avoids ambiguity about who is being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate successors" when you mean successors in general. "Immediate" specifies those who came directly after, not just anyone who succeeded at some later point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate successors" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It specifies a group of individuals who followed directly after a predecessor in a particular role or position. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate successors" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to individuals or entities that directly follow another in a sequence or role. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears across diverse contexts, from encyclopedias and news media to academic and scientific publications, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a direct and proximate succession, distinguishing it from more general or distant successors. Alternatives include "direct successors" or "next in line", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct successors

Focuses on the direct lineage or order of succession.

next in line

Emphasizes the order and anticipation of taking over a position.

heirs apparent

Highlights those who are clearly designated to inherit or succeed.

those who followed directly

Describes the act of following in a sequence, emphasizing the temporal aspect.

subsequent leaders

Emphasizes leadership roles and their chronological order.

following generation

Focuses on generational succession.

those next in authority

Highlights the aspect of authority and its transfer.

those who came after

A more general and less formal way of indicating succession.

the ensuing leadership

Emphasizes the leadership that results or follows.

later administrators

Highlights an administrative role and temporal sequence.

FAQs

How do I use "immediate successors" in a sentence?

The phrase "immediate successors" refers to the individuals or entities that directly follow someone or something in a role or sequence. For example, "The founder and his immediate successors shaped the company's culture."

What's a good alternative to "immediate successors"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "direct successors", "next in line", or "heirs apparent".

Is it correct to say "immediate successor" instead of "immediate successors"?

Yes, but the choice depends on whether you're referring to one individual or multiple individuals. "Immediate successor" is singular, while "immediate successors" is plural.

What is the difference between "immediate successors" and "later successors"?

"Immediate successors" refers to those who directly followed in a role, while "later successors" refers to those who came after a longer period or several intervening individuals.