succeeding to the position of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "succeeding to the position of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who takes over a role or title from another person. Example: "After years of dedicated service, she is now succeeding to the position of CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Tomita later succeeded to the position of chief executive officer.

The New York Times

This struggle had been going on for almost 50 years when Umako, in 570, succeeded to the position of great minister and head of the Soga family.

Britannica

Foley rose steadily through the House leadership ranks, and after holding the posts of majority whip (1981 87) and majority leader (1987 89), he succeeded to the powerful position of speaker on the resignation of then speaker Jim Wright of Texas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2000 he relinquished the position of Earl Marshall to his son, Edward, who succeeded to the dukedom on his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Obama administration named a Treasury Department lawyer to succeed Kenneth R. Feinberg in the position of setting pay guidelines for executives at four companies still getting aid from the government bailout fund.

The New York Times

He was succeeded in the position of chief executive by Mr. Keegan, 55, in January.

The New York Times

distribute in a timely manner a copy of this Final Judgment and such additional informational materials to any person who succeeds to a position of officer, director, or manager, or platform software developer or employee involved in relations with OEMs, ISVs, or IHVs; iii.

The New York Times

One is Lord Moynihan, who succeeded to his position in the House of Lords as a result of a DNA test, which provided proof of his paternity in a court case.

The Guardian

Kenneth P Adler, an academic employed by the US government to watch western European political trends, defined it as "the segment of the general public that is most likely to succeed to positions of power and influence in the near future".

The Guardian

He appointed his own son, Mohammad bin Salman, to succeed him as defense minister and to the position of head of the king's royal court, replacing Abdullah's longtime chief.

The Washington Post

It's an incredible, accomplished piece of work, a Tolkien-ish epic about a young boy called Wull who starts the book poised to succeed his father in the position of Riverkeep (essentially the vast river's caretaker) but when his father is possessed by something from the water's depths Wull finds himself tasked with an even greater challenge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "succeeding to the position of", ensure the context clearly indicates who is being replaced and why the succession is taking place. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "succeeding to the position of" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it carries a level of formality that might seem out of place in casual conversation or writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "taking over from" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "succeeding to the position of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of taking over a specific role or office. It connects the person assuming the role to the role itself, emphasizing the transition of responsibility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "succeeding to the position of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes the act of taking over a role or title, according to Ludwig. While not exceptionally common, it maintains a presence across various sources, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. Its formal tone makes it suitable for official announcements and professional communications. When choosing an alternative, consider the nuances of phrases like "taking over the role of" or "assuming the position of" to best fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking over the role of

Focuses on the action of assuming responsibilities, emphasizing the function rather than the formal transfer.

assuming the position of

Highlights the act of taking on the responsibilities and authority associated with a particular role.

inheriting the role of

Implies a transfer, often within a family or organization, where the succession is somewhat predetermined.

becoming the successor to

Formally identifies the individual as the one who follows and replaces the previous holder of the position.

rising to the office of

Emphasizes advancement and achievement in attaining the position, often suggesting a climb through ranks.

acceding to the rank of

Similar to 'rising to', but suggests a more formal or hierarchical structure where the position is a rank.

following in the footsteps of

Highlights the continuity and legacy of the previous position holder, suggesting the new person will emulate their predecessor.

replacing the previous holder of

Directly indicates the act of taking over from someone else, with less emphasis on tradition or legacy.

stepping into the shoes of

Suggests a challenge and responsibility in matching the performance or capabilities of the person previously in the role.

taking over from

A simpler, more informal way of saying someone is replacing another person in a role.

FAQs

What does "succeeding to the position of" mean?

The phrase "succeeding to the position of" means taking over a role or title previously held by someone else. It implies a formal transition of responsibilities and authority.

What can I say instead of "succeeding to the position of"?

You can use alternatives like "taking over the role of", "assuming the position of", or "becoming the successor to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "succeeding to the position of" and "replacing" someone?

"Succeeding to the position of" suggests a more formal and official transfer of duties, while "replacing" is a more general term. Succeeding often implies a planned or expected transition.

When is it appropriate to use "succeeding to the position of" in writing?

Use "succeeding to the position of" in formal writing, such as news articles, official announcements, or professional communications, where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired.