succession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "succession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to the sequence of events, the order of things, or the transfer of authority or property. Example: "The succession of events leading to the final decision was carefully documented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The downside came in the form of the near-collapse at the start of the second half when Sweden scored twice in quick succession and it was alarming to see the ease with which they got through from two set pieces.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Newspoll closes as News Corp Australia replaces 150 staff with 'robopoll' But the publisher of Mumbrella, Tim Burrowes, whose media and marketing website tracks industry changes, says the succession of bad news for News Corp is more a sign of the end of the financial year than of the end of newspapers.

The Guardian

And yet, despite changing British mores over the decades and a succession of editors, including Rebekah Wade (later Brooks) and David Yelland who were both widely reported before their appointments to consider Page 3 outdated, its position in the paper has until now remained unassailable.

The Guardian

With Shane Watson in bullying form, even the lofty vantage point of the pavilion may not have been safe from a succession of smattered shots.

The Guardian - Sport

Aged 13, she returned to the US and lived for a short while with her father before being placed in a succession of foster homes and, finally, a baptist children's home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite stiff competition from a succession of crises during his 17-year tenure as president, Blatter admitted that the charges of "rampant, systemic and deep-rooted corruption" presaged by dawn raids in Zurich and revealed by US authorities on Wednesday were "shocking and unprecedented" in their scale.

The Guardian - Sport

Abdullah's succession as Saudi Arabia's sixth monarch resulted from his father King Abdulaziz ibn Saud's strategy of marrying the daughters and widows of defeated enemies.

The Guardian

There has been no shortage of surprises, from continually having my first impressions overturned, to finding myself in a succession of unexpected situations, from a tribal wedding on the islands of San Blas to a Chavista meeting in Caracas.

The Guardian - Travel

According to Branson, who part-owns Virgin airlines and has invested an estimated £300m in a succession of green fuel, solar and other clean-tech energy developments, the dramatic rise of renewables over the last few years has hurt oil producing countries as much as fracking.

The Guardian

The Andes, as the world's longest continuous mountain range, came to hold the promise of an endless succession of extreme and sublime landscapes.

The Guardian - Travel

Three goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half from Bosko Jankovic, Rômulo and Luca Toni put the visitors firmly in control but Livorno made a fight of it as Paulo Betanin and Leandro Greco scored two in rapid succession with less than 20 minutes to go.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing hierarchical systems or leadership transitions, ensure the term "succession" accurately reflects the transfer of power, authority, or responsibility. Consider using specific terms like "line of succession" for clarity in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "succession" when simply describing a series of unrelated events. "Succession" implies a direct link or dependency between the items in the sequence. If the events are independent, use "series" or "sequence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "succession" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a sequence or order of things, or the act of following in order. It can denote the transition of power, property, or the sequence of events. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "succession" is a versatile noun that denotes a sequence, order, or transfer, often implying a structured progression or the passing of authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Related phrases include "sequence of events" and "chain of command". When using "succession", ensure it accurately reflects a linked or dependent series, and consider the specific connotations relevant to the context, such as formal transitions or ecological processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequential order

Highlights the arrangement of items in a specific sequence.

sequence of events

Focuses on the ordered series of occurrences.

chain of command

Highlights the hierarchical order of authority.

line of inheritance

Emphasizes the passing of property or title.

series of actions

Implies a set of steps taken in a particular order.

order of precedence

Refers to the established ranking or priority.

course of events

Describes the unfolding of a particular situation.

progression of steps

Emphasizes the advancement through a series of stages.

passing of the torch

A metaphorical expression for transferring responsibility or leadership.

the next generation

Focuses on the people who will come after the current one.

FAQs

How is "succession" used in political contexts?

In politics, "succession" typically refers to the process or rules by which a new leader or head of state is chosen or takes office. It often involves a pre-defined "line of succession" to ensure a smooth transfer of power.

What are some alternatives to "succession" when describing a series of events?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "succession" when describing a series of events include "sequence", "progression", "chain", or "series".

How does "succession" differ from "inheritance"?

"Succession" often implies a formal transfer of power or position, while "inheritance" more commonly refers to the transfer of property or assets. However, the phrase "line of inheritance" is valid.

Is "succession" appropriate for describing ecological changes?

Yes, "succession" is often used in ecology to describe the process by which the structure of an ecological community evolves over time. This is often referred to as "ecological succession".