successive stages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "successive stages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of events or processes that occur one after the other in a sequence. Example: "The project will be completed in successive stages, starting with the initial research phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reductions in reproductive success are compounded over the successive stages of a single life cycle.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

He compares the work to successive stages of fossilization.

The New York Times - Arts

Since then, however, as Lewis puts it, "the Muslim has suffered successive stages of defeat".

The New Yorker

He will add office space and possibly a residential tower in two successive stages, he said.

The New York Times

Tells about successive stages of the journey, made mostly in trucks and commercial vehicles.

The New Yorker

There, she photographed the successive stages of "Guernica" as he painted it in the spring of 1937.

The New York Times - Arts

Archaeologists have noted three different techniques for working rock to successive stages of refinement in the Paleolithic Period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Avesta is, therefore, a collection of texts compiled in successive stages until it was completed under the Sāsānians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the help of sympathetic union leaders, especially Jack Jones of the TGWU, he introduced that policy and steered it quite successfully through successive stages.

The Guardian

As the short piece evolves, they and another couple, Carlos Barrionuevo and Mayte Valdes (both very good), show successive stages of Argentine dance.

The New York Times - Arts

There would have been much less "tariff escalation"—a nasty practice, by which higher tariffs are levied on successive stages of production.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex processes, use "successive stages" to clearly delineate each step and ensure understanding. For example, "The project was completed in successive stages, starting with research and ending with final testing."

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions. Instead of just stating "the process involves successive stages", clearly outline what each stage entails to provide valuable context and prevent ambiguity. Be specific about the order and the results achieved in each of the "successive stages".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "successive stages" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing progressions in processes, developments, and even artistic creations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "successive stages" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe a series of steps or phases that follow one another. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. While it is important to provide specific details about each stage to avoid vagueness, using "successive stages" can effectively break down complex processes for better understanding. Alternatives like "sequential phases" or "progressive steps" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequential phases

Replaces "stages" with "phases", emphasizing a structured sequence.

progressive steps

Uses "steps" to convey a sense of advancement and progression through the sequence.

consecutive steps

Emphasizes the unbroken sequence of steps.

sequential steps

Similar to "progressive steps" but with a stronger focus on order.

incremental phases

Highlights gradual progression through phases.

step-by-step progression

Focuses on the methodical, gradual nature of the advancement.

phased development

Implies a structured development process with distinct phases.

tiered approach

Suggests a hierarchical sequence of stages.

staged process

Highlights the carefully planned sequence of the process.

phased implementation

Focuses on the gradual introduction or deployment of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "successive stages" in a sentence?

Use "successive stages" to describe a series of steps in a process or development. For example, "The product development occurred in "successive stages": design, prototyping, testing, and launch."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "successive stages"?

You can use alternatives like "sequential phases", "progressive steps", or "incremental phases" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "successive stages" and "simultaneous stages"?

"Successive stages" implies a sequence, where one stage follows another. "Simultaneous stages" indicates that stages occur at the same time. The key difference is whether the stages are sequential or concurrent.

Is it better to use "successive stages" or "sequential stages"?

Both "successive stages" and "sequential stages" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Successive" emphasizes that stages follow one another, while "sequential" emphasizes the order of the stages. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.