rapid succession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rapid succession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that occur one after another in a quick manner. Example: "The fireworks exploded in rapid succession, lighting up the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rapid succession.

The Guardian

Three shots were fired in rapid succession.

The New York Times

Two other explosions followed in rapid succession.

The New York Times

Five or six in rapid succession.

The Guardian

Twelve shots are fired in rapid succession.

The Guardian

Two disorienting things happened in rapid succession.

The New Yorker

Other lawmakers followed suit in rapid succession.

The Guardian - Tech

Images of children appear in rapid succession.

The New York Times

The cliches come in rapid succession.

The Guardian - Film

Three new blows fell in rapid succession.

Harvard Business Review

In rapid succession, both Mr. Davis and Mr. Rose resigned.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of events that occur very close in time, use "rapid succession" to convey a sense of urgency or intensity. For example, "The stock market saw a series of drops in rapid succession, causing widespread concern."

Common error

Avoid using "rapid succession" when the events, while sequential, do not occur with significant speed or immediacy. "The seasons changed in succession" is accurate, but "rapid succession" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rapid succession" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which something happens. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid and usable phrase. It indicates that events or actions occur quickly and immediately after one another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rapid succession" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe events that occur quickly and immediately one after another. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and scientific writing. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy, making it suitable for describing fast-paced sequences of events. While generally neutral, it is slightly more formal, fitting well within professional and academic discourse. When using "rapid succession", ensure that the described events genuinely occur with speed and proximity to maintain accuracy and avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick sequence

Replaces "succession" with "sequence" to focus on the order of events.

swift sequence

Uses "swift" instead of "rapid", emphasizing speed.

immediate sequence

Emphasizes that the events follow each other without delay.

prompt sequence

Focuses on the quickness and lack of delay between events.

successive order

Uses "successive" to describe the order, maintaining the sense of continuity.

one after another quickly

Expresses the idea of sequential events happening fast.

in short order

Indicates that things happen quickly and efficiently.

in close sequence

Highlights the proximity in time between the events.

successive occurence

Emphasizes that events occur one after another.

in swift flow

Focuses on the speed and continuity of the sequence of events.

FAQs

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

Use "rapid succession" to describe events occurring quickly one after another. For example, "The company released several new products in "rapid succession" after the merger."

What phrases are similar to "rapid succession"?

Similar phrases include "quick succession", "swift succession", and "immediate succession", all indicating a series of events happening closely together.

Is it better to use "rapid succession" or "fast succession"?

"Rapid succession" is generally preferred in formal writing due to its slightly more sophisticated tone, but "fast succession" is also acceptable in less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "rapid succession" and "gradual succession"?

"Rapid succession" indicates a quick series of events, whereas "gradual succession" implies a slower, more prolonged sequence or transition.