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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
succeeded by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "succeeded by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one person or thing follows another in a sequence, often in contexts such as leadership or succession. Example: "The CEO was succeeded by her deputy after her retirement."
✓ Grammatically correct
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
He was succeeded by Grey.
Encyclopedias
(He was succeeded by Dominique Strauss-Kahn).
News & Media
He was succeeded by Fukuda Yasuo.
Encyclopedias
The flowers are succeeded by red berries.
Encyclopedias
He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore.
Encyclopedias
He is succeeded by Kgalema Motlanthe.
Encyclopedias
Birendra was succeeded by his brother, Gyanendra.
Encyclopedias
Phone threats were succeeded by physical threats.
News & Media
(The studio succeeded by a smidge).
News & Media
But neither was succeeded by an equal.
News & Media
In 1995 he was succeeded by Neal Kozodoy.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about transitions in leadership or historical events, use "succeeded by" to clearly indicate the person or event that came next. This is especially useful when establishing a timeline or explaining a lineage.
Common error
Avoid using "succeeded by" when you mean "preceded by". "Succeeded by" means 'followed by', while "preceded by" means 'came before'. Double-check your wording to ensure you're conveying the correct order.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "succeeded by" functions as a passive verb construction indicating sequential order or replacement. It typically links a subject to its successor, denoting that the latter follows the former in a specific role, position, or sequence of events. This is validated by Ludwig examples.
Frequent in
Encyclopedias
26%
News & Media
40%
Wiki
21%
Less common in
Science
9%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "succeeded by" is a versatile and commonly used construction to denote sequential order, often indicating a replacement in roles or events. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use. The phrase's grammatical function is a passive verb construction. It typically adopts a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and general writing where a clear sequence is to be established. The most frequent contexts where the term appears are in Encyclopedias, News & Media and Wiki, as well as in Science. Using "succeeded by" correctly involves ensuring that it aligns with chronological order and distinguishing it from similar-sounding phrases like "preceded by" to maintain accuracy.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Replaced by
Focuses more on the act of substitution, less on the sequential aspect.
Followed by
Emphasizes the sequence of events, without necessarily implying a direct replacement.
Took over from
Implies assuming control or responsibility from someone.
Succeeded to
More formal, often used in the context of inheriting a title or position.
Came after
A simple and direct way to indicate sequence.
Was the successor of
More formal and passive way of expressing succession.
Inherited by
Specifically denotes inheritance, often of a title or estate.
Assumed by
Highlights the act of taking on a role or responsibility.
Took the place of
Emphasizes that the position was refilled.
Ensuing
Describes what follows something else but does not necessarily indicate direct replacement.
FAQs
How do I use "succeeded by" in a sentence?
Use "succeeded by" to indicate that someone or something followed another in a position or sequence. For example, "The CEO was "succeeded by" her deputy.".
What can I say instead of "succeeded by"?
You can use alternatives like "replaced by", "followed by", or "took over from" depending on the specific context.
Which is correct, "succeeded by" or "was succeeded by"?
"Succeeded by" is a more concise form, while "was "succeeded by"" adds emphasis to the passive voice, highlighting the action done to the subject. Both are grammatically correct.
What is the difference between "succeeded by" and "superseded by"?
"Succeeded by" indicates a chronological order of events or individuals, while "superseded by" suggests that something has been replaced because it is outdated or obsolete.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested