predecessors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'predecessors' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that came before another person or thing in terms of rank, title, or office. For example: "The new CEO has big shoes to fill as he follows in the footsteps of his predecessors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not only has Alessandro Nencini, the presiding judge of the Florence appeals court, apparently resorted to the same tortured logic as his predecessors; he has also stated things as fact that are manifestly and provably wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

And how conscious have you been of the presence of your great predecessors in the building while you've been working on the Old Vic stage yourself?

The Guardian

You say that you respect Parliament, that you answered more questions than your predecessors and that you are the first Prime Minister to appear before a select committee, but in other ways you seem thoroughly hostile to the idea of scrutiny by elected representatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having attended both comprehensive and private secondary schools, and been educated at home because of illness, she may be more open to new thinking than some of her predecessors.

The Guardian

Merah was thus not only part of an old style of terrorism – recruits making their way to the badlands of Pakistan to get trained and then returning to carry out attacks – but was also much less effective than predecessors such as those responsible for the 7/7 attacks in London.

The Guardian

On Friday morning the new king vowed to maintain the same approach as his predecessors.

The Guardian

Eschewing the grandeur and trappings of his predecessors, he arrives for meetings with heads of state in a blue Ford Focus; he wears old shoes; he astonishes members of the global public who have written to him by picking up the phone and calling them himself.

The Guardian

His replacement is one of his predecessors, Dunga, who coached the national side from 2006‑10.

The Guardian - Sport

Villa cannot put their counter-attacking play into practice with anywhere near the same frequency as the current players lack the technical ability of their predecessors.

The Guardian - Sport

One of his predecessors, Charles Kennedy, offered some wise counsel just ahead of the speech: stop fighting on so many fronts, pick a few fights, be a bit more canny, and win them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Herman Cain, Jim DeMint, Allen West, Newt Gingrich – the list of her predecessors is a long one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing influence or legacy, using "predecessors" helps establish a clear line of succession or impact.

Common error

Ensure you're referring to those who came before, not those who follow. "Successors" are the individuals who come after, while "predecessors" are those who preceded.

Linguistic Context

The word "predecessors" functions as a plural noun, typically referring to individuals who previously held a particular office, position, or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "predecessors" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun used to denote those who came before in a specific role or context. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in diverse fields ranging from news and media to formal business settings. Its communicative purpose is to establish a relationship with entities that have come before, providing context and comparison. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it's vital to distinguish it from "successors" to avoid miscommunication. With its frequent usage in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, mastering its application is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forerunners

Emphasizes the idea of those who came before as setting the stage or paving the way.

ancestors

Focuses on lineage and heritage, often used in a more historical or familial context.

previous holders

Specifically refers to individuals who previously occupied a position or role.

prior occupants

Similar to previous holders, but can apply to both positions and physical spaces.

preceding authorities

Highlights the power or influence held by those who came before.

earlier generations

Broader term referring to those who lived before in a historical or societal context.

pre-existing models

Implies something that came before is being replicated or improved upon.

antecedents

Formal term denoting something that precedes or influences what follows.

earlier incumbents

Refers to those who previously held a specific office or position.

historical precursors

Highlights the historical significance of those who came before.

FAQs

How to use "predecessors" in a sentence?

Use "predecessors" to refer to those who came before in a role, position, or historical context. For example, "The current CEO learned valuable lessons from her predecessors."

What can I say instead of "predecessors"?

You can use alternatives like "forerunners", "ancestors", or "previous holders" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "predecessors" or "successors"?

"Predecessors" refers to those who came before, while "successors" refers to those who come after. The correct term depends on whether you are referring to someone's past or future role.

What's the difference between "predecessors" and "ancestors"?

"Predecessors" generally refers to those who came before in a specific role or position, while "ancestors" typically refers to familial or historical forebears. The term "ancestors" is more related to family tree.