successive years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "successive years" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a series of years that follow one after another in a particular order. Example: "The company's profits have increased for three successive years, showing a steady growth trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They did this for three successive years.

The New York Times

A record has been set in three successive years.

The New York Times

The fall of 2014 or successive years will tell.

The New York Times

The festival has now presented Monteverdi's three surviving operas in successive years.

The New York Times - Arts

Teams from Romania, Portugal and Holland were champions of Europe in successive years from 1986-88.

The Guardian - Sport

Mark Wallinger, Bill Woodrow and Rachel Whiteread were chosen to fill the space in successive years.

The Guardian - Arts

Norway's economy is growing at 2.6%, while Australia's has now notched 22 successive years of expansion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The number of deaths from MRSA and Clostridium difficile has fallen in successive years.

The Guardian

But in successive years, that defense was always among the best in the league.

The New York Times - Sports

Indians' expectations have been raised by successive years of growth and a booming media.

The Guardian

For five successive years it is the Arab world's bestselling novel.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or events that occur over a period, use "successive years" to clearly indicate that the years are in a continuous sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "successful years" when you mean "successive years". "Successful years" implies accomplishment, while "successive years" simply indicates a sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "successive years" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "years", indicating a sequence of years that follow one another. It specifies that the years are in a continuous, uninterrupted order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "successive years" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a continuous sequence of years. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. It functions as an adjective modifying "years", adding precision to descriptions of trends and events. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate it from "successful years", which carries a different meaning. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse forms of communication. To enhance clarity, consider using it when specifying chronological order is vital.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consecutive years

Focuses on the unbroken sequence of the years.

sequential years

Highlights the ordered arrangement of the years.

year after year

Emphasizes the repetition and continuation from one year to the next.

recurring years

Suggests that the same events or patterns happen each year.

following years

Points to the years that come after a specific point in time.

subsequent years

Similar to 'following years', but with a slightly more formal tone.

in a row

Informal way to express the continuous sequence of years.

straight years

Similar to 'in a row', focusing on the uninterrupted nature.

back-to-back years

Emphasizes the immediate connection between the years.

year on year

Focuses on the comparison or change from one year to the next.

FAQs

What does "successive years" mean?

"Successive years" refers to a sequence of years that follow one after another without interruption.

How can I use "successive years" in a sentence?

Example: "The company has seen growth in sales for five "consecutive years"".

What's a synonym for "successive years"?

A synonym for "successive years" is "consecutive years". They both mean years that follow one another in order.

Is it correct to say "successful years" instead of "successive years"?

While "successful years" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. "Successful years" implies that the years were marked by success, whereas "successive years" simply means years that follow in sequence.