succession of events

USAGE SUMMARY

'succession of events' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a sequence of events that occur one after the other. For example, "The succession of events leading up to the final outcome was fairly complex."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a rapid-fire succession of events, the family insisted that Mr. Montezemolo become chairman.

The New York Times

But in well-rehearsed testimony last week, the four officers described a rapid succession of events that they said led to a tragic mistake, not a crime.

The New York Times

Give Chad Pennington, the Jets' young quarterback, credit for this: While Jets teammates and coaches dismissed the succession of events last week, he said it wasn't good.

The New York Times - Sports

The most deplorable performance of all was vouchsafed by the newspaper report ers whose duty it became to chronicle the succession of events for our enlightenment.

The New Yorker

"Through a succession of events, I thought I must be adding something of value for people to keep me around," Hurdle said.

The New York Times - Sports

This is one of those posts in which the succession of events and the thread of ideas that led up to its writing are inseparable from its substance.

The New Yorker

The start of 2011 certainly promises to be pretty grim, with the first half of January bringing a succession of events that will underline Pakistan's current misfortunes.

The New York Times - Sports

This reality precipitates Isolde's confrontation with Tristan, in which she persuades him (after a complex succession of events) to drink a death potion with her.

The New York Times - Arts

The Precambrian-Cambrian biotic transition, once thought to be sudden or abrupt, has been found to include a succession of events spread over many millions of years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One primary element clearly is that of a succession of events, but distinguishable events are separated by more or less lengthy intervals that are called durations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the moment the announcement of Mr. Obuchi's stroke was made, late Sunday evening, the succession of events here has been almost blindingly fast for a country more used to political changes measured at a snail's pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex situation, clearly outline the "succession of events" to ensure the reader understands the chronological order and causal relationships.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because one event follows another in a "succession of events", the first event necessarily caused the second. Ensure that you have evidence of a causal link before implying causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "succession of events" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it's a valid phrase. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence to describe a series of happenings in a specific order. See the Ludwig examples for context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "succession of events" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a series of occurrences in a specific order. As verified by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While interchangeable with phrases like "sequence of events" or "chain of events", writers should be mindful of the potential for implying causation and avoid logical fallacies. By understanding its usage patterns and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "succession of events" to provide clear and structured accounts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequence of events

Replaces "succession" with "sequence", maintaining the core meaning of an ordered series.

chain of events

Substitutes "succession" with "chain", emphasizing the interconnectedness of the events.

series of events

Uses "series" instead of "succession", providing a more general term for a group of related occurrences.

course of events

Replaces "succession" with "course", highlighting the progression or unfolding of the events.

progression of events

Emphasizes the forward movement and development within the series of events.

string of events

Similar to "chain of events", this implies a connected sequence, often with causal relationships.

flow of events

Highlights the continuous and dynamic nature of the events as they unfold.

unfolding of events

Focuses on the gradual revelation or development of the events over time.

process of events

Emphasizes the procedural or systematic nature of the events as they happen.

order of events

Highlights the specific arrangement or sequence in which the events occur.

FAQs

How can I use "succession of events" in a sentence?

You can use "succession of events" to describe a series of occurrences in a specific order. For example, "The investigation revealed a clear "sequence of events" leading to the accident".

What is a good alternative to "succession of events"?

A suitable alternative to "succession of events" is "chain of events", which also implies a linked series of occurrences. Other options include "series of events" or "course of events".

Is it better to use "succession of events" or "sequence of events"?

Both "succession of events" and "sequence of events" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Succession" may imply a more direct or consequential link.

What does "succession of events" imply?

"Succession of events" implies a chronological order where one event follows another. It suggests a connected series, although not necessarily a causal one. To emphasize a causal link, consider using phrases like "chain of events".